austraLasia 1200
Time to inculturate!
ROME: 14 July 2005 -- We are by now well accustomed to the introduction, post-Vatican II, of the term inculturation. It first begins to appear in ecclesial documents in 1975 though we owe its adoption in Salesian terminology to the Bangalore representatives at the Special General Chapter 1971-2 - predating the wider ecclesial use then, which is a point of historical as well as of terminological interest.
Since the 70's, inculturation has become a big issue generally in ecclesial circles, since it touches specifically on the relationship between the Gospel message and culture (as distinct from enculturation, which is more a reference to socialisation into a culture). Specific charisms, the Salesian charism being one of those, also speak of 'inculturating the charism'.
In the East Asia-Oceania Region, quite apart from the wider debate on inculturation of the Christian Gospel in areas where Christians are numerically insignificant, there is the challenge of inculturating the Salesian charism as an essential feature of initial and ongoing formation for each group within the Salesian Family.
To date, the Rector Major has spoken once, specifically, of inculturation in its wider sense and of the Salesian charism in the region. This was at Fatumaca ITM last year. He has promised a letter to the whole Congregation on the issue, but we have it from good sources that this letter will not be issued this year, though it is expected during 2006.
In the meantime, there is a wealth of material available, developed within the region and including the Rector Major's talk/discussion at Fatumaca. There is certainly enough already available for personal and community reflection. Go to Bosconet and find Reflection on inculturation under resources on the right hand side.
____________________
Time to inculturate!
ROME: 14 July 2005 -- We are by now well accustomed to the introduction, post-Vatican II, of the term inculturation. It first begins to appear in ecclesial documents in 1975 though we owe its adoption in Salesian terminology to the Bangalore representatives at the Special General Chapter 1971-2 - predating the wider ecclesial use then, which is a point of historical as well as of terminological interest.
Since the 70's, inculturation has become a big issue generally in ecclesial circles, since it touches specifically on the relationship between the Gospel message and culture (as distinct from enculturation, which is more a reference to socialisation into a culture). Specific charisms, the Salesian charism being one of those, also speak of 'inculturating the charism'.
In the East Asia-Oceania Region, quite apart from the wider debate on inculturation of the Christian Gospel in areas where Christians are numerically insignificant, there is the challenge of inculturating the Salesian charism as an essential feature of initial and ongoing formation for each group within the Salesian Family.
To date, the Rector Major has spoken once, specifically, of inculturation in its wider sense and of the Salesian charism in the region. This was at Fatumaca ITM last year. He has promised a letter to the whole Congregation on the issue, but we have it from good sources that this letter will not be issued this year, though it is expected during 2006.
In the meantime, there is a wealth of material available, developed within the region and including the Rector Major's talk/discussion at Fatumaca. There is certainly enough already available for personal and community reflection. Go to Bosconet and find Reflection on inculturation under resources on the right hand side.
____________________
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