RMG, 17 December 2018 -- The Rector Major has chosen the beginning of the Christms Novena to send a letter to all Salesian confreres and members of the Salesian Family regarding the decision he has made, in agreement with his Council, to maintain the Salesian Headquarters, the Sede Centrale as it is known in Italian, at its present location, namely, Sacro Cuore, the work dedicated to the Sacred Heart which was Don Bosco's final great undertaking, especially the 'Tempio' as it was officially called by Pope Leo XIII, and the Sacred Heart Hospice, inside Rome City itself.
It is a decision which has been maturing over time, as the Rector Major points out. The first clear decision was to remain in Rome. Many alternative venues were given consideration, but cost and charismatic considerations were prominent throughout. The General Council has been so very grateful that the Italian Central Province (ICC) has hosted the Congregation's top administration for more than a year now after circumstances forced relocation from the earlier site in the Via della Pisana.
The decision to remain in the heart of Rome, and where Don Bosco had invested so much emotional, physical and charismatic energy, will no longer involve being 'hosted' by ICC. The Council will assist the Central Province, the 'San Lorenzo' community which belongs to it, and CISI (the Conference of Italian Salesian Provinces), all based at Sacro Cuore, to find new locations. The entire process may take until summer (July) 2020 to complete.
The Sacred Heart Basilica, Parish, assistance to young immigrants, and Don Bosco's Rooms, a prime pilgrimage goal for the Salesian Family, along with other Don Bosco places in Piedmont, will all now come under the direction and management of the St Joseph's Community, which is the community to which the Rector Major and Council, and confreres serving the Congregation's administration and services, belong.
The physical address is the 'Ospizio Sacro Cuore', Via Marsala 42, immediately opposite Rome's busy 'Termini' central transport hub.
