(10 May 1984)

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

52 We want you to know that we were both pleased and gratified to receive the messages, redolent of cordial and fraternal concern, which were sent by your various groups to the 22nd General Chapter.

We felt that you were very close to us at such an important juncture in the life of the Congregation. We realized that we were strengthened by your prayers and sustained by your solicitude and interest. For this reason we want to convey to each and all of you our grateful thanks.

As you already know, our study and work had a single specific objective: the revision of the Constitutions and Regulations, in preparation for their definitive approval after twelve years of experimentation.

Ours was a delicate task, prompted by the duty of adjusting the text to the pressing and practical needs of youth and the changed conditions of our times, and at the same time remaining faithful to our holy Founder and following the Church's teaching.

In the course of our work we took up the theme of the Salesian Family and went into it with more than ordinary interest with a view to clarifying some points that still remained obscure.

From the time of the Special General Chapter of 1972 the Congregation, sensing a rich future development, has become more and more aware of the charismatic reality of the Salesian Family. In more recent years it has stepped up its work of animation in this regard, thanks to the guidelines issued by the relevant Department headed by the unforgettable Fr John Raineri, and has brought about a re-launching of the Family and given it a more definite role, in brotherly communion with all of you.

Meetings for study and the promotion of spiritual aspects to favor better service and mutual communion, together with common involvement in the same mission, have served to 'build family' in the practical affairs of life, and not just on paper by means of documents.

53 And now after a great deal of reflection and calm discussion we have been able in the text of the Constitutions and Regulations to settle some points which clarify our own role and obligations in the Salesian Family with respect to the identity of its various component groups.

In particular we have reaffirmed the conviction that the Salesian Family takes its origin from Don Bosco, and is part of a vast movement of people who work in different ways for the salvation of the young. Of all its dynamic energy the Rector Major, Don Bosco's successor, is the father and center of unity. Clarified too have been the duties of the Councilor for the Salesian Family, of the Provincials and local Superiors with a view to the sensitizing of the various communities.

The new text of the Constitutions and Regulations spans out a precise commitment: to keep alive and efficacious Don Bosco's desire to involve as many people as possible in the salvation of the young, in proclaiming the Gospel and keeping the faith alive in working-class neighborhoods.

In point of fact we commit ourselves to stepping up our apostolic activity for the benefit of the groups of the Salesian Family at both local and provincial level, working with them to ensure a proper formation and seek further vocations, especially among youngsters who may be more committed, and among our lay collaborators.

This will be possible in a brotherly communion, with each of the groups bringing specific and complementary contributions, and each individual being recognized as a member of the particular group to which he owes allegiance.

54 To all of them the 22nd General Chapter extends an invitation, a call, a behest. An invitation to maintain unity and communion in fidelity to the mission of Don Bosco. A call to holiness, to which we are prompted by the 50th anniversary of the canonization of our Founder; to his predilection for the young, and especially the most needy; to empathy with their world and the choice to remain with them, as is suggested in the 'letter from Rome'; to a concern about the missionary frontiers in Africa and the Third World. A behest to gather together for the celebration of the coming centenary, to rediscover and re-present the figure and message of Don Bosco to the Church and to the world.

With the maternal protection of Mary Help of Christians and the contribution of all, may this great movement of empathy with the young and collaboration in their favor which was started by Don Bosco, continue to grow and spread in the world.

Spurred on by pastoral charity, the members of the Salesian Family want to be signs and bearers of the love of God for the young, and especially the poorest of them.