23 March 1996

At the end of the week of the elections

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As we end this week which has seen the election of the Rector Major, the Vicar General, and the General Councillors for the various Departments, it is interesting to see the convergence that has developed, and another point of interest is the presence already in the new Council of persons with experience of four continents, if not by birth at least by virtue of long Salesian activity.

The Council is already rich in ability and in knowledge of languages, and will be subsequently completed and further enriched by the election of the Regional Councillors. Thanks are due to those who have accepted, and those who worked so hard during the past six years. The Rector Major referred particularly and expressed his personal thanks to Fr. Omero Paron, who is leaving behind him a strong and well-ordered department, open to solidarity.

Fr. Vecchi went on to speak of the positive result of the new 'discernment' process which seemed to have given general satisfaction. He referred to the personal spiritual fruit stemming from the interior process of purification, from the ability to listen, from prayer and the practice of convergence, which had also allowed some unclear moments to be accepted calmly by the community: this was gratifying because we live close to God not in some mythical way, but with realism and responsibility. This experience of discernment is something rich that we can take with us to local communities and provincial councils: there are always problems that must be faced with discernment and calm. He mentioned numerous articles of the Constitutions which refer to discernment; it is demanded by our identity in view of fidelity in today's cultural world, in the complex situations in which the Congregation is living, and in view of long-term prospects, perspectives and deadlines.

In conclusion he indicated a further achievement: mutual trust and esteem in diversity, and an easier relationship amongst ourselves. He expressed thanks to God and to the capitulars.