ROME: May 18 (VID)–"Globalization– The Crossroads of the Educative Charity"  is the title of a book (published by SEI), released after the death of its author Father Juan Edmundo Vecchi.

The volume is a collection of previously unpublished notes and reflections stemming from Father Vecchi in the final stages of his life. Vecchi was moved by a concern to leave the Salesians with a testament in favour of service to the young, whose physical and moral sufferings (as child soldiers, as victims of poverty, violence, and abuse), have been increased by globalization.

Vecchi's thoughts are bound to leave their mark on the Salesian mission and the presence of religious generally in society; a brief glance at the postscript offers an insight into his pages:

"I want to be unconformist in this global village which, while having positive values, knows little of homes or families: homes where one lives fraternally united as children of God; families bound by the obligation of the charity, the only obligation that can cover a multitude of sins. I want to be unconformist in the global village invented by the new economy , which again creates the ancient Epulonis who denies crumbs to the poor Lazarets.

"Globalization has brought the world into our homes, but I would like to bring something from our home to the World - that which Jesus has given to us in time, through the Church, that Don Bosco has conveyed to us by leaving us with an oratorian heart among young people, in every part of the globe… Being present in the world. As Salesians we have to give concreteness to our going against the tide: and the concreteness is educative charity.

"No" concludes Father Vecchi– to the globalization that creates injustice, emptiness, that destroys. "Yes" to the globalization that tries to respond to the deepest needs of mankind, of women, of children, of young boys, girls, of babies… "Am I too, part of the race of Don Quixotes, of prophets, who have not seen their dreams come true? Am I pointing the Salesian Family down impassible roads? I hope not, indeed I would like them to dream with me and to go with me into deep waters… "