EAO, 26 June 2016 -- The immediate preparation for the EAO Salesian Family delegates seminars (November 2016) have already started. With the institution of the new Secretariat of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family headed by Fr. Eusebio Munoz, the formation of SDB involved in the accompaniment of the Salesian Family Groups is moving on.
Next November will be held in three venues of the region (Korea: 15-17, Vietnam: 20-22 and Cebu 25-27) 3-day long seminars for the Salesian Family delegates. In each venue will come together SDB from 3-4 nearby provinces. The seminar will be animated by the SF central team in Rome: Fr. Eusebio Munoz (Delegate of the RM), Fr. Giuseppe Casti (Salesian Cooperators), Fr. Pier Luigi Cameroni (ADMA) and Fr. Joan Lluis Playa (VDB-CDB).
As every good preparation is starting from a survey of the present situation. Each province replies to the general questionnaire about the state of the Salesian Family in the province and 3 specific survey are directed for all parts involved in the animation of the Salesian Cooperators. One reply to the ASC survey from one SDB provincial council:
How is the vocation of the Salesian Cooperator known and understood in the province
The Salesian Cooperator is understood as a vocation to be part of the Salesian Family while remaining in the world and ministering in their daily life. The Salesians, especially the delegates of the local centers have a general understanding of the nature. As for other Salesians, they may not know the membership and the ministry of the Salesian Cooperators while the lay mission partners and the young may not be aware of the nature. The local delegate should be able to inform the community about the membership of the local chapter.
What vision the province has about the Salesian Cooperators’ role within the Salesian Family?
The Salesian Cooperators are autonomous and should not necessarily be doing work within the Salesian ministry. They should fulfill their role in the secular world and in the Church.
What may be the reason, prejudice or obstacle for the growth of the vocation of the Salesian Cooperator in the cultural and ecclesial situation of the province?
A hesitation for the growth of the vocation of the Salesian Cooperator comes from the fact that it does not relate well with what the younger people would like to do. The connotation that the Salesian Cooperator vocation is for the old and for the wealthy as many of the present members are of the older age is an obstacle for its growth just as it appears to be only for women.
Are there institutional links between the youth ministry of the SDB-FMA and the ministry of the Salesian Cooperators?
As to regular institutional ministry for the young, there is no link but in terms of events, activities and projects there are joint efforts.
What can improve the relationship between the local SDB community and the attached center of the Salesian Cooperators?
Improvement can come from the appreciation that both groups have the same ministry for the young and that awareness of the membership be enhanced by way of encounters in family events.
What may improve the formation of delegates for the Salesian Cooperators?
The regular meeting of Salesian delegates to all the member groups of the Salesian Family is a great help for formation especially when this is accompanied by formation given by the head of the Salesian Cooperators. This will depend on the willingness of delegates appointed by the Provincial.
Next November will come together almost all SDB local delegates to the Salesian Cooperators and the provincial or regional level of delegates, assistants, spiritual animators of the other SF groups: Don Bosco Past Pupils, ADMA, VDB, CDB, Damas Salesianas
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