An animated, first-time gathering brought Salesian leaders together from various congregations in Detroit April 10-12, 2012, at the St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center.
Hosted by DeSales Resources and Ministries and DeSales Spirituality Services, leaders or their representatives were invited to share the mission of their ministry and consider avenues to better promote our shared spirituality. Those present included:
Visitation Sisters of Holy Mary, First Federation; Visitation Sisters of Holy Mary, Second Federation; Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales; Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Wilmington-Philadelphia and Toledo-Detroit Provinces; Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales; Salesians of Don Bosco, Eastern and Western Provinces; St. Francis de Sales Association; Salesian Network; DeSales Resources and Ministries; DeSales Spirituality Services. Oblate, Don Heet, facilitated the meeting.
Among the topics discussed: the potential of sharing Salesian Spirituality in our culture today, opportunities for collaboration, sharing spirituality with the 30-40 year old, vocations, youth education, and the use of technology. A collaborative Salesian Spirituality web page and the upcoming November Salesian Convention were also considered. The attendees agreed to continue the work begun at this gathering. A future meeting will be planned. A transcribed summary of this meeting will be available.
In general, all those involved with this first “Salesian Initiative” found it to be greatly beneficial and look to this to be the beginning of a positive force in the sharing of our Salesian charism.
We look forward to sharing more about this coalition in the future!