This evening Fr Pascual Chavez came to speak to the communities of the UPS, giving a panorama of the Salesian Society and the Salesian Family after visiting every country and province where the Salesians are operative during his 5 years as rector major. The only country that he was unable to visit was Miramar - Burma. They rejected his application for a visa 3 times over the past 3 years.
In his talk, the Rector Major stressed the need for a new paradigm for consecrated life in the 21st Century. No longer are religious to be the worker-bees of the Church. This was so important during the 19th Century and up until the end of reconstruction following World War II. However, the agencies of the state and the private sector have stepped in, now, to fulfil their duties to the people. Religious must become a prophetic and contemplative presence in the Church if they are to become the signs and bearers of God’s love to the present and future generations.
Don Bosco’s motto — Da mihi animas coetera tolle — is not a plan for social action, but a prayer on the lips of a community consecrated for apostolic life.
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