Every six years Salesians gather from five continents in a “General Chapter” to draw up a document that becomes a navigation chart for Salesians to follow the world over. In addition, the assembly elects a head (rector major) who will serve the congregation as successor of Don Bosco.
In the 27th General Chapter, which began on February 22, the logo expresses: 1) young people surrounding Don Bosco, one young person representing each continent; 2) Don Bosco pointing to a book which represents the gospel text and the Salesian constitutions; and 3) colors which represent virtues, red for work and orange for temperance. Moreover, the theme of “work and temperance” is the means through which Salesians witness the radical message of the gospel to the youth. Work signifies a creative venture, the initiative taken to be sent out into the world fueled by the gospel message. On the other hand, temperance signifies a virtue of inner sorts, self control, which is the hinge of tangible virtues such as humility, meekness, and modesty.
220 Salesians representing the Salesian congregation at the General Chapter began the experience by making a pilgrimage to Turin, Italy, the epicenter of Don Bosco’s charismatic identity. John Bosco’s life reflects an ongoing pilgrimage. At two, his father died and John would need to learn how to mediate a father’s presence to the young. Perhaps he modeled paternity by looking to the God of Abraham. Just as God made Abraham the” father of faith,” the multifaceted experiences in John’s life would shape him as father, teacher, and friend of youth. Further, a prophetic dream at nine intensified the way John related with Jesus and Mary, and characterized how John would approach and encounter young people with affirmation.
