The Letter of the Salesian Rector Major to Pope Benedict

The following comes from the Salesian News Agency:

Yesterday, 23 May at the conclusion of the Mass celebrated in the new Minor Basilica of Colle Don Bosco, the Rector Major of the Salesians read and then gave to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, a letter for the Holy Father. It was signed in addition to the members of the General Council, by the Bishops and Cardinals gathered together for their meeting in Turin.

After having explained to the Pope the circumstances which gave rise to the meeting of the Salesian Bishops, the Rector Major presented the reasons which led him to write the letter. The main one “is that of expressing to your Holiness the affection, the closeness and the total availability which Don Bosco has taught us to live from the very beginning of his charismatic experience, with regard to the Holy Father and to the whole Church.”

This devotion to the Pope is also expressed in their being close to him at this difficult hour for the Church. “With Your Holiness we share the concerns of the present moment, asking the Lord to purify our lives and to purify the Church so as to be able worthily to proclaim the Gospel, especially to the young, to the poor, to the least, to those who still do not know the Good News.”

“In the second place, Your Holiness, we want to assure you of our desire to cultivate in the Congregation and in these Brothers of ours who are Bishops a profound spiritual renewal.”

“As Sons of Don Bosco, is to assure Your Holiness of our concern for the young people of today, who often appear to be “sheep without a shepherd.”” Recognising the need pointed out by Benedict XVI himself, Fr Chávez renews the commitment of the Salesians to respond to the “educational emergency” which has arisen in today’s societies and cultures.

The letter, which concludes with a renewed assurance of the Salesians’ apostolic commitment was signed by the Rector Major, by the members of the General Council and by the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops. Finally it was also signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.