CHAPTER 5

SERVICES OF COMMUNION

ART. 35. Communion demands fidelity to one's own Group

The fact of belonging to the Family, so as to share among many people the same spiritual riches, in no way diminishes the values and originality of each individual Group. Fraternity does not extinguish but rather strengthens identity. And so the concrete circumstances of individuals and their ecclesial collocation are confirmed, enlivened and enriched.

Through the energy of his charism, Don Bosco brings together in unity in a single apostolic Family religious, lay people, married persons, widows and widowers, celibates and priests, all of them testifying in various ways to the spirit of the beatitudes. No one loses his or her specifically priestly, religious or lay spirituality.

Don Bosco's charism is a higher overall energy which takes up all the individual spiritualities, specifying and strengthening them.

Communion is the most mature fruit of charismatic identity, of organizational autonomy, of the expression of the originality of each Group, of the mutual and generous enrichment stemming from the values of all. Communion therefore remains the single objective of the Salesian Family for living its values with the greatest intensity.

ART. 36. Points of reference

By the very fact of their charismatic fellowship, the individual Groups that make up the Salesian Family recognize in Don Bosco's successor, the Rector Major, the father and centre of unity of the Family itself.

Closely linked with his ministry, there are further points of reference that facilitate and bring about convergence, in view of a service to unity of spirit and apostolic collaboration.

Within each group there are dedicated and qualified animators whose special task is to create communion with all the Family of Don Bosco.

The Salesians of Don Bosco are the special heirs and representatives of his bounteous priestly fatherliness, and thus have the responsibility of animating the entire Family.

Hence they perform a service that has no governing authority, but provides a joyous guarantee of a true path for the faithful living of salesian holiness in all its fullness.

The seeking and acceptance of the different 'communion rituals' make evident the conviction that any person asking to be integrated into a particular Group as an active member, has the intention of belonging at the same time to a wider Family.

ART. 37. Usefulness of adroit structures

The Salesian Family is made up of established and well organized groups that provide a stimulus to further growth and development through a light and flexible structure that is understood and accepted by all the members.

An obvious element of unity at the general level is provided by the person of the Rector Major, as already explained in this document; he also has a specific institutional function in relation to several of the Groups considered individually. His function is of a specific institutional nature.

Other aspects could also be thought of as part of an organic picture.

At regional, national, provincial and local level, unity is sustained and promoted by councils and consulting groups.

To ensure normal vitality to the Salesian Family, it seems indispensable that this be not left only to the good will of those responsible for animation and government of the individual Groups at different levels.

It frequently happens that practical difficulties associated with apostolic work, interpersonal relationships and those between Groups, conceal the need and urgency for structurally organized fraternity.

The definition of possible structures must be the object of further shared reflection between the Groups of the Salesian Family.

CONCLUSION

ART. 38. The memory of the saints of our Family and our recourse to them

The saints proclaim the wonders of Christ and are living witnesses to the Gospel; they strengthen the unity of the whole Church in the spirit and exercise of fraternal charity.

God has lavished his love on the Salesian Family of Don Bosco by enriching it with holy members. A wealth of inspiration is to be found in our Saints: their ranks include young and old; priests, layfolk and consecrated members; those committed to education, and evangelization; those battling to build a better society - and even heroic martyrs.

It is a source of wonder what the grace of the Holy Spirit can do in the hearts of those who accept his call and offer themselves willingly to work in his service! Filling their hearts with love, he encourages them in their quest for perfect charity and an ever-deepening union.

The most valuable asset of the communion that we aim to achieve as a Family is a constant striving for holiness.

The invocation, then, of our brothers and sisters who have pointed out to us the way of love becomes a valid help in our weakness, and an encouragement to soldier on joyfully as we wend our way heavenward.

I shall be waiting for all of you in heaven, Don Bosco says to us.

ART. 39. The ecclesial relevance of a Family united in life and activity

Throughout the world the Church is the symbol of love and unity. Thus, according to the teaching of Jesus, communion is the most efficacious kind of apostolic witness.

In the present historical context of the Church's dedication to dialogue with all men of good will, this duty to manifest internal communion becomes all the more urgent.

Today everyone is more closely united by social, technical and cultural links and so, the Council reminds us, it is necessary that there should also be complete unity in Christ.

The spiritual families within the Church can contribute much in helping it to be well equipped for the work of uniting all people and enhancing the Body of Christ.

Don Bosco has taught us that from our love of Christ there will inevitably flow love for his Church. Pastoral charity is the root and expression of unity in our Family communion. Visible and active unity in the Salesian family is a vital means for the new evangelization.

APPENDIX