【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2025 年04月12 日羅馬慈幼總部訊】 ─ 慈幼會第 29 屆全會代表大會於 2025 年 4 月 12 日在羅馬聖心大殿奉獻彌撒聖祭後閉幕。這一刻標誌著為期55天的辨別、反思和祈禱之旅的結束，其中心主題是「對耶穌基督充滿熱情，委身服務青年」。
閉幕彌撒在中午舉行，這是深切感恩、交流和對慈幼會未來使命重新承諾的時刻。領銜聖心大殿主教Giuseppe Versaldi樞機的出席，為修會增添了額外的精神支持。
總會長歐達德神父（Fabio Attard）為大會作總結，並分享了大會的成果及概述了慈幼會未來的指導方針。
在歐達德神父的致辭中，他對大會期間的經歷深表感激，並將其描述為「慈幼會的五旬節」。他強調了聖神如何透過「聖神內交談」的方式引導修會的每個階段，並邀請全體修會成員繼續沿著這條傾聽和辨別的道路前進。
歐達德神父的總結要點
聖神的臨在：
這次會議被視為五旬節的一個時刻，人們不斷地呼喚和感知聖神，讓其引導慈幼會會士進行辨別。
大會為一個里程碑
歐達德神父將這次大會描述為一個里程碑，它確保了從華道角開始的旅程的延續性，並且現在以同樣的承諾和奉獻精神重新開始。
最終的文件：
大會最後通過了一份最終文件，該文件將指引慈幼會從 2025 年到 2031 年的工作。然而，歐達德神父強調，這份文件的價值取決於慈幼會會士能否保持傾聽、開放和與聖神同行的精神。
個人皈依：
歐達德神父強調了個人轉變的重要性，並強調每一次牧民更新都必須從每個慈幼會會士內心深刻而真實的改變開始。他說，個人的轉變不是個體的體驗，而是更新牧民和靈性關懷的基礎。
認識鮑思高神父：
僅僅愛鮑思高神父是不夠的；有必要深入地了解他。歐達德神父警告不要膚淺地了解慈幼神恩，因為這有可能使傳教活動淪為膚淺的活動。他呼籲慈幼會會士認真地學習鮑思高神父，在當今的環境下活出他的精神。
四分五裂的世界中的希望：
在這個充滿衝突、戰爭和意識形態、剝奪年輕人尊嚴的世界裡，歐達德神父提醒慈幼會會士，他們必須成為希望的聖事，為年輕人提供成長、受歡迎和有未來的空間。
勇氣與真實性：
他呼籲慈幼會會士們增強忠誠和遠見，並強調這些美德是慈幼會使命的基礎。大會中所展現的勇氣必須成為應對未來挑戰的基礎，而不會因恐懼而陷入癱瘓。
新的挑戰：
他確定了未來的兩個重點領域：
- 人工智能（AI）被視為慈幼使命的新領域。歐達德神父提醒說，雖然人工智能可以成為一種有用的工具，但它永遠無法取代慈幼神恩的人性和牧民接觸。
- 關心整體生態，這須要改變思維方式並致力於教育，以培養與受造物的健康關係。
華道⻆慶禮院的願景
歐達德神父重申，華道⻆慶禮院的模式——是一個家庭、是一個堂區、是一所學校和是一個運動場——必須成為辨別和更新每項慈幼會活動的永久標準。
感謝的話
在致辭結束時，歐達德神父向副總會馬道力神父(Stefano Martoglio)表達了衷心的感謝。感謝他在籌備大會期間做出的貢獻。他也對大會主持人 Alphonse Owoudou神父，為大會協調工作做出的貢獻表示感謝。他亦向查偉思神父表示感謝，感謝他在會議期間所做的寶貴貢獻，以及他同意準備對執行會議指示有用的反思。他歡迎Giuseppe Versaldi樞機閣下，並感謝他的到來和精神鼓勵。
在這些致謝之後，主持人Alphonse Owoudou 神父正式宣布第 29 屆全會代表大會閉幕。
儀式結束時，全體與會者轉向著名的聖母瑪利亞畫像，將大會的成果託付給聖母瑪利亞，並再次承諾真誠地實踐鮑思高神恩，同時高唱聖母聖歌及祈禱。
展望未來
第 29 屆全會代表大會留下了深刻的神修和牧民經驗，為未來六年提供了清晰的願景。歐達德神父強調：「當我們真正熱愛基督並致力於服務青年時，我們會發現共同前行是美好的，即使它充滿挑戰。」秉持著這樣的理念，慈幼會準備好繼續前行，為世界各地的年輕人帶來希望、光明和愛。
Signs of Hope in a Fragmented World: The Concluding Message of the 29th General Chapter
(ANS – Rome–RMG, 12 April 2025) – The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation concluded on April 12, 2025, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome, following the Eucharistic celebration. This moment marked the culmination of a journey of discernment, reflection, and prayer lasting 55 days, with the central theme “Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young.”
The concluding ceremony, held around midday, was a moment of deep gratitude, communion, and renewed commitment to the future of the Salesian mission. The presence of His Eminence Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, titular of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, added an additional sign of spiritual support to the Congregation.
The Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, delivered his concluding address, in which he shared the fruits of the Chapter and outlined the guidelines for the future of the Congregation.
In his speech, Fr. Fabio expressed profound gratitude for the experience lived during the General Chapter, describing it as a “moment of Salesian Pentecost.” He highlighted how the Holy Spirit guided every phase of the Chapter through the method of “conversation in the Spirit”, and he invited the entire Congregation to continue on this path of listening and discernment.
Key Points from Fr. Fabio’s Address
The Presence of the Holy Spirit:
The Chapter was experienced as a moment of Pentecost, in which the Holy Spirit was constantly invoked and perceived, guiding the Salesians in their discernment.The Chapter as a Milestone:
Fr. Fabio described the Chapter as a milestone that ensures continuity with the journey begun in Valdocco and is now renewed with the same spirit of commitment and dedication.The Final Document:
The Chapter concluded with the approval of a Final Document, which will guide the Congregation from 2025 to 2031. However, Fr. Fabio emphasized that the value of this document will depend on the Salesians’ ability to maintain the spirit of listening, openness, and accompaniment by the Holy Spirit.Personal Conversion:
Fr. Fabio stressed the importance of personal conversion, emphasizing that every pastoral renewal must start with a profound and authentic change in the heart of each Salesian. Personal conversion, he said, is not an intimate experience but the foundation for renewed pastoral and spiritual care.Knowing Don Bosco:
It is not enough to love Don Bosco; it is necessary to know him deeply. Fr. Fabio warned against a superficial knowledge of the Salesian charism, which risks reducing the mission to mere superficial activities. He urged Salesians to seriously study Don Bosco to embody his spirit in today’s contexts.A Sign of Hope in a Fragmented World:
In a world marked by conflicts, wars, and ideologies that strip young people of their dignity, Fr. Fabio reminded the Salesians that they must be a sacrament of hope, offering young people spaces for growth, welcome, and a future.Courage and Authenticity:
He called on the Salesians to grow in fidelity and prophecy, emphasizing that these virtues form the foundation of the Salesian mission. The courage shown during the Chapter must serve as the basis for tackling future challenges without being paralyzed by fear.New Challenges:
He identified two areas of focus for the future:
- Artificial intelligence (AI), seen as a new frontier for the Salesian mission. Fr. Fabio reminded that while AI can be a useful tool, it can never replace the human and pastoral touch that defines the Salesian charism.
- Care for integral ecology, which requires a change in mindset and an educational commitment to fostering a healthy relationship with creation.
The Vision of the Valdocco Oratory:
Fr. Fabio reiterated that the model of the Valdocco Oratory—a home, a parish, a school, and a playground—must remain the permanent criterion for discerning and renewing every Salesian activity.
Words of Gratitude
At the end of his speech, Fr. Fabio expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, for his contribution in guiding the Congregation during the preparation of the Chapter. He also expressed his appreciation to Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, moderator of the Chapter, for his dedication in coordinating the work. He thanked Fr. Pascual Chávez, for his valuable contribution during the Chapter and for agreeing to prepare reflections useful for implementing the directives of the Chapter. He welcomed and thanked His Eminence Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, for his presence and spiritual encouragement.
After these acknowledgments, the moderator, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, officially declared the 29th General Chapter closed.
The ceremony concluded with all the Chapter participants turning to the famous painting of Mary Help of Christians, entrusting the fruits of the General Chapter in the hands of the Blessed Mother, and renewing their commitment to living Don Bosco’s charism with authenticity, singing and praying the Marian hymn.
Looking to the Future
The 29th General Chapter has left a strong spiritual and pastoral legacy, offering a clear vision for the next six years. As Fr. Fabio emphasized: “When we are truly passionate about Christ and dedicated to the young, we discover that walking together is beautiful, even if it is challenging.” With this perspective, the Salesian Family is ready to continue its journey, bringing hope, light, and love to young people around the world.