【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2025 年03月15 日義大利都靈訊】 ─ 3 月 13 日，第 29 屆全會代表大會 (GC29) 正在都靈華道角舉行，這將成為慈幼會歷史上的一個里程碑。大會表示贊同，總會長和他的議會使用教宗授予的豁免權。隨即，會議通過了一項決議，允許試驗性地可任命慈幼（輔理）修士擔當會院院長一職，不必一定是晉鐸的神父。
此項例外適用於總會長及其新當選的議會，這表示朝著更加重視慈幼會神父和修士之間的互補性邁出了重要一步。大會成員通過的這項決議伴隨著熱烈的辯論，和開放的、兄弟般的對話。我們收集了三位在華道角的慈幼會修士的見解，他們分享了對這一重要發展的看法。
修士心聲：服務團體的新機遇
來自乍得、目前在突尼斯的 Albert-Sébastien Ramadan 受邀作為觀察員在大會上發言，並參與了辯論：
「經過昨天的投票，慈幼會修士們有機會進行實驗，擔任地方團體的負責人，我感到很滿意。關於這個話題大家進行了辯論，考慮了利弊。我覺得我在 GC29 的發言產生了影響，帶來了一些額外的東西。甚至當我在我們的委員會發言時，許多人也改變了他們的觀點。
聖神確保雙方都能達成滿意的觀點。就目前而言，這已經是一扇敞開的大門；這是向前的一步。天主所做的一切都是好的：我確信這是聖神的作用。祂將按照天主的旨意行事並引導我們。
來自越南的 Van Luan Bui 也是 GC29 的觀察員。在他的國家，慈幼會修士是團體的重要組成部分：
「我對已達成的所有決定都感到高興，因為我們專注於對團體、我們的使命和年青人的責任。我們聽取了天父的意願，並花時間學習如何就此展開對話。現在我們的溝通是開放的，我們已經找到了合作的方式。
在越南，我們有大量的修士，超過70名：這個數字反映了我們所做工作的質量以及團結我們的團體精神。
來自阿根廷北部的代表 Lucas Mario Mautino 分享了他的觀點，讓人想起最近被封為聖人的阿根廷修士聖柯蒂美‧澤德修士：
「我認為，這也是一個美好的時代徵兆，即非領受神職者在某些情況下也可以被召叫以耶穌基督的方式擔任領導職務。我看到我們滿懷希望地選取這一新選擇，尤其是為了服務年青人。
鮑思高神父讓我們為一個共同的使命，在兄弟般的生活中互補，互相尊重。要了解慈幼會神父和修士，我們就必須將他們放在一起思考：這是要遵循的方向。我們還有聖柯蒂美﹒澤德修士作為模範，此時此刻仰望他真是太棒了。對我們來說，他是一個非常重要的人物，他教導我們透過見證和生活方式來傳播福音和施行教育。
邁向未來的勇敢一步
GC29的立場對慈幼會來說是一個重要的轉捩點和時代的徵兆。它不僅為慈幼會修士開闢了服務和領導的新視角，而且強調了團體內互補的價值。
在慈幼會的歷史上，這一立場與鮑思高神父的神恩一致，他始終認為聖召是一種獨特的現實，並因多樣化的神恩而變得豐富多彩。展望未來， GC29 選擇採用更具包容性的願景，加強慈幼會為年青人和當地社區服務的使命。
在所有成員、神父和修士們的貢獻下，大會堅定地繼續其旅程，確認其對天主召叫和慈幼使命的忠誠，始終關注時代的徵兆。
CG29: A Step Forward for Salesian Communities
(ANS – Italy–Turin, 15 March 2025) – March 13 at the 29th General Chapter (CG29), currently taking place at Valdocco, in Turin will be remembered as a milestone in the history of the Salesian Congregation. The Chapter expressed a favorable opinion, giving the possibility to the Rector Major and his Council to make use of the exemption granted by the Holy Father. Subsequently, a resolution was approved that will allow, ad experimentum, the assignment of the role of the Rector of a Salesian community to a lay brother, without it being necessary for them to be an ordained priest.
This exception, which applies to the Rector Major and his newly elected General Council, represents a significant step toward greater appreciation of the vocational complementarity between Salesian priests and Salesian brothers. The resolution, adopted by the Chapter members, was accompanied by intense debate and open, fraternal dialogue. We gathered the impressions of three Salesian brothers present in Valdocco, who shared their reflections on this important development.
The Voices of the Brothers: A New Opportunity for Service to the Community
Albert-Sébastien Ramadan, originally from Chad and currently in Tunisia, was invited as an observer and contributed to the debate with an intervention in the assembly:
“After yesterday’s vote, which gives Salesian brothers the opportunity, as an experiment, to serve as directors of a local community, I feel satisfied. There was debate on this topic to consider the pros and cons. I felt that my intervention at CG29 made a difference and brought something additional. Even when I spoke in our commission, many people changed their point of view.
The Holy Spirit ensured that there was a perspective that satisfied both sides. For now, it is already an open door; this is a step forward. Everything God has done is good: I am convinced that it was the Spirit acting. He will act and guide us according to God’s will.”
Van Luan Bui, from Vietnam, is also an observer at CG29. In his country, Salesian brothers represent a significant part of the community:
“I am happy with everything that has been decided because we are focusing on our responsibility toward the community, our mission, and the young. We listened to the will of the Father and took the time to learn how to engage in dialogue about it. Now our communication is open, and we have found a way to work together.
In Vietnam, there is a large presence of brothers, more than 70 members: a number that reflects the quality of the work we do and the spirit of community that unites us.”
Lucas Mario Mautino, a delegate from Northern Argentina, shared a thought that recalls the figure of Artemide Zatti, an Argentine brother recently canonized:
“I think it is also a beautiful sign of the times that the non-ordained, on some occasions, can be called to serve in leadership in the style of Jesus. I see this new option we are taking with great hope, especially for the service of the young.
Don Bosco envisioned us as a single vocation, living in fraternal complementarity, valuing one another. To understand the Salesian priest and the Salesian brother, we must consider them together: this is the direction to follow. We also have Artemide Zatti as a model, and it is wonderful to look to him in this moment. For us, he is a very important figure who teaches us to evangelize and educate through testimony and the way we live.”
A Courageous Step Toward the Future
The position taken at CG29 represents a significant turning point and a sign of the times for the Salesian Congregation. It not only opens new perspectives of service and leadership for Salesian brothers but also highlights the value of vocational complementarity within communities.
In the history of the Salesian Family, this position aligns with Don Bosco’s spirit, who always considered vocation as a unique reality, enriched by the diversity of charisms. Looking to the future, CG29 has chosen to embrace a more inclusive vision that strengthens the Salesian mission in service of young people and local communities.
With the contribution of all members, priests and brothers alike, the Chapter continues its journey with determination, confirming its fidelity to God’s call and the Salesian charism, always attentive to the signs of the times.