Salesian Initiative

For the second year, a group of us are gathering at St Paul Retreat House in Detroit to discuss ways of sharing and spreading Salesian spirit in the United States. Those who have come include the Oblates of St Francis de Sales, the Oblate Sisters, the Visitation Sisters (2nd Federation), the Daughters of St Francis de Sales, the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, the Salesian Network, the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

A very interesting group from my educational point of view is a group that has existed since 1988 called the "Salesian Network." This grows out of the experience of the Visitation Sisters in the USA, where they have 5 schools. The "Salesian Network" that facilitates the formation of "minds and hearts through gospel-based teachings" in their schools. I do believe that we Salesians of the San Francisco province would benefit by making contact with this network.

There are many areas in which we can be collaborating, from formation of laity to training of novices, to sharing the Salesian spirit in dioceses and among the unchurched. More ideas will come out tomorrow, no doubt, as our discussions become more direct.