Salesians of Don Bosco

CONSTITUTIONS
AUTHORIZED HIS PRINTING
Egidio Viganó
Rector Major

Rome, January 31, 1985

Feast of Saint John Bosco

GENERAL INDEX

PRESENTATION
Acronyms and Abbreviations

CONSTITUTIONS
from the Society of Saint Francis de Sales

Proem

First Part
THE SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO IN THE CHURCH

I. The Society of Saint Francis de Sales

II. Salesian Spirit
III. Profession of the Salesian

Second Part
SENT TO THE YOUNG - IN COMMUNITY - AND FOLLOWING CHRIST

IV. Sent to the young

Recipients of our mission
Our educational-pastoral service
Salesian action criteria
Co-responsible for the mission
V. In fraternal and apostolic communities
VI. Following Christ obedient, poor, and chaste
Our obedience
Our poverty
Our chastity
VII. In dialogue with the Lord

Third Part
TRAINED FOR THE MISSION OF PASTOR EDUCATORS

VIII. General aspects of our training

Salesian formation
Initial training
IX. The formative process

Fourth Part
THE SERVICE OF AUTHORITY IN OUR SOCIETY

X. Principles and General Criteria

XI. Service of authority in the global community
XII. Service of the authority in the inspectorate community
XIII. Authority service in the local community
XIV. Administration of temporal goods
 CONCLUSION

PRESENTATION OF DON EGIDIO VIGANO'

Here you have, at last, dear brothers, our rule of life, renewed and approved.
It is offered in a manual that must accompany every Salesian like their identification card or badge.
identity.
It contains the Constitutions of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, our fundamental code.
rethought and developed according to the demands of Vatican II (cf. Ecclesiae sanctae II, I, 12-14).
It also contains, renewed, the statute of the General Regulations, which are an integral part of
particular right of our Society.
Contiene, finalmente, algunos escritos de nuestro Padre san Juan Bosco, ricos de su experiencia
spiritual.
The scope and seriousness of the review of the text, carried out by the entire Congregation during a
long process of years characterized by the work of three general chapters (the 20th, the 21st and the
XXII), guarantee continuity with the origins, the ecclesial character of apostolic consecration
salesian and the innate propensity for the universality of Don Bosco's mission in the world.
On November 25, 1984, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Apostolic See approved the present
Constitutions; with this, it authoritatively declared, once again, 'the authenticity of the evangelical way.'
traced by the Founder.
The Constitutions describe the spiritual riches of our Salesian tradition, defining its
apostolic project, they outline the path of our sanctification and invite us to bear witness to it, as the greatest gift
valuable that we can offer to young people.
On December 8th, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the date "on which began and ended
all our greatest things” the Rector Major proclaimed this precious text elaborated.
At the same time, we embrace our rule of life with the gratitude and hope of one who receives the
the living testament of Don Bosco by the same hand of Mary Help of Christians, we open our spirit to
thanksgiving and to the plea:

We thank you, Father,

why have you called us one by one
and by our own name,
from all the continents,
to be a sign in the Church
and bearers of your love.
You have made it from the heart
of the same Christ, your apostle,
it will also bloom for us,
pastoral charity
what characterizes our ecclesial fervor
with the gift of favoritism towards young people.
We adore you with filial gratitude
because your Paraclete, the Spirit of the Lord,
He/She accompanies us with the grace of his/her consecration
in the daily experience of wholeness
of our gift,
renewing the mystery of the baptismal covenant
to give you a more intimate and fulfilling expression.
Grant us, merciful Father,
that, guided by Mary,
let's know how to reach the goal
this path that leads to Love.
In the religious profession
you have brought forth an exciting novelty in us,
What is oblation, sanctifying action, and liturgy of life.
Teach us to contemplate,
through the project of this Rule,
the undivided heart of your Only Begotten;
envelop our freedom with the power of your Spirit,
so that all of us who are with Don Bosco can faithfully fulfill,
with your help, what we have promised with joy by your gift.
 EGIDIO VIGANO
Rector Major

PRESENTATION OF DON PASCUAL CHAVEZ

Rome, December 8, 1984, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed

Virgin Mary

Dearest brothers:
It has been 18 years since the promulgation of the renewed and approved text of our Rule.
Life, the result of three extraordinary General Chapters in response to the demands of Vatican II.
As the then Rector Major, Don Egidio Viganò, said in the presentation of the Constitutions
and Regulations, these "describe the spiritual wealth of our Salesian tradition, define its
apostolic project, they outline the path of our sanctification and invite us to bear witness to it, as the
the most valuable gift we can offer to young people.
As such, the text retains all its validity and all its richness and, therefore, must be known,
meditated, prayed, and brought to life.
However, trying to adapt the Rule of Life to the new needs of the Congregation,
During the last three General Chapters (23rd, 24th, and 25th), some modifications have been made.
considered timely, which were later approved by the Holy See.
Changes have been introduced in articles 128, 132 (14), 133, 134, 137, 142 of the Constitutions.
151 (8); in the General Regulations in articles 3, 24 and 76; and, consequently, in the Index
Analytical in the words Salesian Cooperators, Alumni, Salesian Family,
entrusted to the competence of the Vicar of the Rector Major.
For all these reasons, it is considered appropriate to publish a second edition that takes into account the
indicated modifications. I hope and wish that it will offer the possibility of hosting the text once again.
constitutional "as a most precious treasure" received from Don Bosco, while we feel that he himself
He tells us: "If you have loved me until now, continue doing so from now on with observance.
exactly of our Constitutions.
Mary Help of Christians, on whose feast I present this second edition, make us docile to action.
transformational of the Holy Spirit to shape our life according to that of Don Bosco, to
example of the first Salesians.
Don Pascual Chávez V.
Rector Major
Roma, 24 de mayo de 2003
Solemnity of Mary Helper, in the centenary of his coronation.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Holy Scripture

Ap Apocalypse of Saint John

Col Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians
1 Cor First letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
2 Corinthians Second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
Ecl Ecclesiastes
Eclo Ecclesiasticus
Ef Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians
I Ezequiel
Flp Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians
Gal Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians
Gn Genesis
Hb Letter to the Hebrews
Heh Acts of the Apostles
Is Isaiah
Jn Gospel of John
1 John First Letter of Saint John
Lc Gospel of Saint Luke
Mc Gospel of Saint Mark
Mt Gospel of Saint Matthew
1 Pe First Letter of Saint Peter
Prov Proverbs
Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Sab Wisdom
Salt Psalms
1 Sm First Book of Samuel
1 Tim First letter of Saint Paul to Timothy
1 Thessalonians, First Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians

Church Documents

AA Apostolicam Actuositatem, decree of the Second Vatican Council

AD Ad gentes, decree of the Second Vatican Council
CIC Code of Canon Law
EN Evangelization in the Modern World, apostolic exhortation of Paul VI, 1975
ET Evangelica testificatio, exhortación apostólica de Pablo VI, 1971
GS Gaudium et spes, constitution of the Second Vatican Council
General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours
IM Inter mirifica, decreto del Concilio Vaticano II
LG Lumen gentium, constitution of the Second Vatican Council
MR Mutual relationships, directive notes SCRIS Sacred Congregation for Bishops, 1978
PC On Perfect Charity, decree of the Second Vatican Council
PO Presbyterorum ordinis, decree of the Second Vatican Council
RD Redemptionis donum, exhortación apostólica de Juan Pablo II, 1984
SC Sacrosanctum Concilium, constitution of the Second Vatican Council

Salesian sources
ASC Archivo salesiano central
C Constitution of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales
C 1875 Rules or Constitutions of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, Turin 1875 (OE
XXVII, 10-99
DB Don Bosco
MB Biographical Memories (19 volumes)
MO Memories of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales
OE Published works
R General regulations
R 1924 Regulations of the Salesian Society, 1924
Circular letters from Don Miguel Rúa
CONSTITUTIONS
from the Society of Saint Francis de Sales

PROEMIO

The book of the rule is, for us Salesians, the living testament of Don Bosco, which tells us: If I
You have loved until now, continue doing so going forward with the exact observance of our
Constitutions!1

Don Miguel Rúa, the first successor of Don Bosco, reminds us: "When our Father sent his
first children to America, wanted to take a photo with them in the gesture of handing over the book of the Constitutions
to Don Juan Cagliero, leader of the expedition, as if to say: I would like to accompany you personally;
But what I cannot do, these Constitutions will do. Guard them as a priceless treasure!2

First Part

The Salesians of Don Bosco in the Church

THE SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

I myself in person will search for my sheep, following their trail. I will give them a unique shepherd, who will
He will shepherd them, He will be their shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11, 23).

The action of God in the foundation and in the life of our Society
1. With feelings of humble gratitude, we believe that the Society of Saint Francis de Sales is not only
the result of a human idea, but of the initiative of God1To contribute to the salvation of youth -the
most delicate and valuable portion of human society2the Holy Spirit raised, with the intervention
Mother of Mary, to Saint John Bosco.
He formed in him a heart of a father and teacher, capable of total dedication: I have promised God that
even my last breath will be for my poor young ones3
To prolong this mission of yours in time, it guided you in the endeavor of giving life to different forces.
apostolic, the first among all our Society.
The Church has recognized in this the action of God, especially by approving the Constitutions and
proclaiming the Founder a saint.
From this active presence of the Spirit, we draw the energy for our fidelity and the support of our
hope.

Nature and mission of our Society

2. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) form a community of baptized individuals who, responsive to the voice of the
Spirit, we intend to carry out, in a specific form of religious life, the apostolic project of
Founder: to be in the Church signs and bearers of God's love to young people, especially to the most
poor.
In fulfilling this mission, we find the path to our sanctification.

Our apostolic consecration

3. Our life as disciples of the Lord is a grace from the Father, which consecrates us.4with the gift of his
Spirit and sends us to be apostles of the youth.

1
MB XVII, 258
2
MIGUEL RÚA, letter of December 1, 1909
1
MO
2
MB, II, 45
3
3MB, XVIII, 258
4
I LG 44.
 CONCLUSION

PRESENTATION OF DON EGIDIO VIGANO'

Here you have, at last, dear brothers, our rule of life, renewed and approved.
It is offered in a manual that must accompany every Salesian like their identification card or badge.
identity.
It contains the Constitutions of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, our fundamental code.
rethought and developed according to the demands of Vatican II (cf. Ecclesiae sanctae II, I, 12-14).
It also contains, renewed, the statute of the General Regulations, which are an integral part of
particular right of our Society.
Contiene, finalmente, algunos escritos de nuestro Padre san Juan Bosco, ricos de su experiencia
spiritual.
The scope and seriousness of the review of the text, carried out by the entire Congregation during a
long process of years characterized by the work of three general chapters (the 20th, the 21st and the
XXII), guarantee continuity with the origins, the ecclesial character of apostolic consecration
salesian and the innate propensity for the universality of Don Bosco's mission in the world.
On November 25, 1984, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Apostolic See approved the present
Constitutions; with this, it authoritatively declared, once again, 'the authenticity of the evangelical way.'
traced by the Founder.
The Constitutions describe the spiritual riches of our Salesian tradition, defining its
apostolic project, they outline the path of our sanctification and invite us to bear witness to it, as the greatest gift
valuable that we can offer to young people.
On December 8th, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the date "on which began and ended
all our greatest things” the Rector Major proclaimed this precious text elaborated.
At the same time, we embrace our rule of life with the gratitude and hope of one who receives the
the living testament of Don Bosco by the same hand of Mary Help of Christians, we open our spirit to
thanksgiving and to the plea:

We thank you, Father,

why have you called us one by one
and by our own name,
from all the continents,
to be a sign in the Church
and bearers of your love.
You have made it from the heart
of the same Christ, your apostle,
it will also bloom for us,
pastoral charity
what characterizes our ecclesial fervor
with the gift of favoritism towards young people.
We adore you with filial gratitude
because your Paraclete, the Spirit of the Lord,
He/She accompanies us with the grace of his/her consecration
in the daily experience of wholeness
of our gift,
renewing the mystery of the baptismal covenant
to give you a more intimate and fulfilling expression.
Grant us, merciful Father,
that, guided by Mary,
let's know how to reach the goal
this path that leads to Love.
In the religious profession
you have brought forth an exciting novelty in us,
What is oblation, sanctifying action, and liturgy of life.
Teach us to contemplate,
through the project of this Rule,
the undivided heart of your Only Begotten;
envelop our freedom with the power of your Spirit,
so that all of us who are with Don Bosco can faithfully fulfill,
with your help, what we have promised with joy by your gift.
8. The Virgin Mary indicated to Don Bosco his field of action among the young, and guided and supported him.11
constantly, especially in the founding of our Society.
We believe that Mary is present among us and continues her mission as Mother of the Church and
Helper of Christians12
We trust in Her, humble servant in whom the Lord did great works.13to be, among the youth,
witnesses of the inexhaustible love of His Son.

Patrons and protectors of our Society

As members of the Church on the way, we feel in communion with the brothers of the heavenly kingdom.
and in need of your help14.
Don Bosco entrusted our Society, in a special way, to Mary - whom he declared the main patron.15- , a
Saint Joseph and Saint Francis de Sales, zealous pastor and doctor of charity.
We also venerate as particular protectors Saint Dominic Savio, a sign of the wonders of.
the grace in teenagers, and to the other glorified members of our Family.

SALESIAN SPIRIT

What you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
you (Philippians 4:9)

Pastoral charity, at the center of our spirit

10. Don Bosco lived and transmitted to us, by inspiration of God, an original style of life and action: the
Salesian spirit.
Its center and synthesis is pastoral charity, characterized by that youthful dynamism that is so strong.
it appeared in our Founder and in the origins of our Society. Pastoral charity is an impulse
apostolic that moves us to seek souls and serve only God.

The Christ of the Gospel, source of our Spirit

11. The Salesian spirit finds its model and source in the very heart of Christ, apostle of
Father16.
In reading the Gospel, we become more sensitive to certain traits of the Lord's figure: His gratitude to the Father.
for the gift of divine vocation to all men; His preference for the small and the poor; His
request to preach, heal, and save, driven by the urgency of the coming Kingdom; his attitude as the Good Shepherd,
that conquers with meekness and self-giving; his desire to gather the disciples in the
unity of fraternal communion.

Union with God

12. By working for the salvation of the youth, the Salesian lives the experience of God's fatherhood, and
constantly revives the divine dimension of its activity: "Without me you can do nothing"17
Cultivate the union with God and recognize the need to pray continuously in simple dialogue.
cordial with the living Christ and with the Father, whom he feels close to himself. Attentive to the presence of the Spirit and
doing everything for the love of God, becomes, like Don Bosco, a contemplative in action.

Sense of Church

13. From our love for Christ arises inseparably the love for his Church, People of God, center of unity and
communion of all the forces that work for the Kingdom.
We feel like a living part of it, and we cultivate a renewed awareness both personally and communally.
Church. We demonstrate this with our filial fidelity to the successor of Peter and to his magisterium, and with the will
to live in communion and collaboration with the bishops, the clergy, the religious, and the laity.

11
["MB VII, 334; XVII, 258; XVIII, 439"]
12
DB, Wonders of the Mother of God, Turin 1868, p. 45; (OE XX, 237).
13
LC 1:48-49.
14
LG 49
15
C 1875, cap. V, 6.
16
LG 3; AG 3.
17
John 15:5
 We educate young Christians in a true sense of Church, and we work diligently to
let it grow. Don Bosco tells us: "Every effort is little when it comes to the Church and the Pope."18

Preference for the young

14. Our vocation has the mark of a special gift from God: a preference for young people: 'I am enough'
as long as you are young, so that I may love you with all my soul19This love, expression of pastoral charity,
gives meaning to our whole life.
For your sake, we generously offer time, qualities, and health: "I study for you, for
I work for you, I live for you, I am even willing to give my life for you.20

Salesian kindness

15. Sent to the young by God, who is all charity.21the Salesian is open, friendly, and is willing to
take the first step and always embrace with kindness, respect, and patience.
His affection is that of a father, brother, and friend, capable of evoking a response of friendship: it is the
kindness so recommended by Don Bosco.
Chastity and balance open one's heart to spiritual parenthood, and they make it transparent within.
the preventive love of God.

Spirit of family

16. Don Bosco wanted everyone in his environment to feel like they were in their own home. The house
Salesian becomes family when affection is reciprocated and everyone, brothers and youth, feels
welcoming and responsible for the common good.
In an atmosphere of mutual trust and daily forgiveness, there is a need and joy to share it.
everything, and relationships are regulated not so much by resorting to the law, but by the movement of the heart and by the
fe22.'
Such a testimony raises in young people the desire to know and follow the Salesian vocation.

Optimism and joy

23
,
17. The Salesian does not let himself be discouraged by difficulties, for he fully trusts in the Father: Let nothing disturb you
Don Bosco used to repeat. Inspired by the humanism of Saint Francis de Sales, he believes in the resources
natural and supernatural aspects of man, although not ignoring his weakness.
Capture the values of the world and do not lament the time in which you live; make the most of everything that exists.
good24, especially if it is liked by young people.
He is always cheerful because he announces the Good News25Spread that joy and know how to teach in the joy of
Christian life and in the sense of celebration: Let us serve the Lord with holy joy26.

Work and temperance

18. Work and temperance will make the Congregation flourish.27on the other hand, the search for comforts and
material well-being will be your death28.
The Salesian dedicates himself to his mission with tireless activity, and strives to do all things well.
with simplicity and moderation. He knows that with his work he participates in the creative action of God and cooperates with
Christ in the construction of the Kingdom.
Temperance strengthens in him the guard of the heart and self-control, and helps him to stay
serene.

18
MB V, 577.
19
BB, 11 Youth Provided, Turin, 1847, p. 7 (OE 11, 187).
20
SUNDAY Rufino, Chronicle of the Oratory, ASC110, ms 5,10.
21
DB, Exercise of devotion to the mercy of God, 1~ 81; (OF~ 51)
22
MB XVII, 110
23
MBVII, 524
24
1 Thessalonians 5:21
25
Fíp 3.1.
26
DB, The Young Provided, Turin, 1847, p. 6; (OE II, 186).
27
MB XII, 466
28
MB XVII, 272
 He does not seek extraordinary penances; but accepts the demands of each day and is willing to endure.

the heat and the cold, thirst and hunger, fatigue and disdain, as long as it is for the glory of God and

of the salvation of souls29

Creativity and flexibility

19. The Salesian is called to have a sense of the concrete, and pays attention to the signs of the
times, convinced that the Lord also manifests Himself through urgent situations of the
moment and the places.
Hence their spirit of initiative: In what concerns the well-being of the youth in danger or serves to win.
souls for God, I throw myself in even with recklessness30.
The timely response to these needs urges you to follow the movement of history, to experience it with
the creativity and balance of the Founder and to periodically review their own actions.

Preventive system and Salesian spirit

Guided by Mary, who was his teacher, Don Bosco lived in the dealings with the young people of the first orphanage.
a spiritual and educational experience that called. For him, it was a love that is given freely,
inspired by the charity of God, which precedes every creature with its providence, accompanies it with its
presence and the salvation by giving its own life.
Don Bosco conveys it to us as a way of living and working, to communicate the Gospel and save the.
young people with them and through them. This system informs our relationships with God, the personal deal
with others and community life in the practice of a charity that knows how to make itself loved.

Don Bosco, our model

21. The Lord has given us Don Bosco as a father and teacher.
We studied and imitated, admiring in it a splendid harmony between nature and grace.
Deeply human and rich in the virtues of his people, he was open to earthly realities;
deeply a man of God and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, lived as if he saw the Invisible31.
Both aspects merged into a strongly unified life project: service to the youth. It
He carried it out with firmness and constancy, amidst obstacles and fatigue, with the sensitivity of a generous heart: No
God did not take a step, nor did he speak a word, nor did he undertake any endeavor that was not aimed at the salvation of the
youth. The only thing that really interested him were souls.32.

PROFESSION OF THE SALESIAN

Jesus said to them, 'Come, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
(Mark 1:17-18)

Personal vocation of the Salesian

22. Each of us is called by God to be part of the Salesian Society. For this, He receives from Him.
personal gifts and, if applicable, find the path to their full realization in Christ.
The Society recognizes his vocation and helps him develop it; he, as a responsible member, puts his
person and their qualities at the service of life and common action.
Every call shows that the Lord loves the Congregation, He wants it alive for the good of His Church and
does not cease to enrich it with new apostolic energies.

Meaning of our profession

23. The religious profession is a sign of the meeting of love between the Lord, who calls, and the disciple, who
responding by fully giving oneself to Him and to the brothers.
It is one of the highest options for a believer's consciousness, an act that renews and confirms.
the mystery of the baptismal alliance, to give it a more intimate and fulfilling expression.

29
C 1875, chap. XIII 13
30
MB XIV, 662.
31
Hb 11:27.
32
MIGUEL RUA, letter dated August 24, 1894
 By publicly committing before the Church, by whose ministry he is consecrated more intimately to the
service to God33, the Salesian begins a new life, which is carried out in a service of delivery
permanent to the youth.
In the profession, the reciprocal commitment of the teacher who enters into Society is also expressed.
this, which welcomes him with joy34.

Formula of the profession

24. The formula of our profession is as follows:

God the Father, You consecrated me to You on the day of my baptism.
In response to the love of Jesus, your Son, who called me to follow him more closely, and, led by the
Holy Spirit, who is light and strength,
I, N.N., freely offer you all of my being,
committing myself to give all my energies to those you send me, especially to the younger ones
the poor, to live in the Salesian Society in fraternal communion of spirit and action, and to participate in that
way, in the life and mission of your Church.
For this, in the presence of my brothers, before N. N., Major Rector of the Society of Saint Francis
of Sales

(or well: before...,

who serves as the Rector Major of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales,
I make a vow, forever, to live obedient, poor, and chaste according to the evangelical path outlined in the
Salesian Constitutions.

Your grace, Father, the intercession of Holy Mary, Help of Christians, of Saint Joseph, of Saint Francis of
Sales and Saint John Bosco, and my Salesian brothers, assist me every day and help me to be faithful.

For all temporary professors:

For this, in the presence of my brothers, before N.N., Major Rector of the Society of Saint Francis
Sales
(0 well:before...,
who acts as the Rector Major of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales,

although my intention is to offer myself to You for life, however, according to the provisions of the Church,
I make a vow, for ... year/s of living obediently, in poverty, and chaste, according to the evangelical path laid out in the
Salesian Constitutions.

Your grace, Father, the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, of Saint Joseph, of Saint Francis de Sales and of
Saint John Bosco, and my Salesian brothers,
They assist me every day, and help me to be faithful.

The superior responds:

In the name of the Church and the Salesian Society, I receive you as a brother committed with vows.
perpetual (or well: temporary) among the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The profession, a source of sanctification

25. The action of the Spirit is, for the professed, a permanent source of grace and support in the daily effort of
grow in perfect love35to God and to men.
The brothers who have fully lived or are living the evangelical project of the Constitutions us
they stimulate and help on the path of sanctification.
The testimony of this holiness, which is carried out in the Salesian mission, reveals the unique value of the
beatitudes and it is the most precious gift we can offer to young people.

33
MR 8; LG 44.
34
LG 44; PC 5; RD 7.8; CIC, can. 654.
35
PC 1.
Second Part
Sent to the youth in community and following Christ
IV
SENT TO THE YOUNG
Recipients of our mission

He saw a crowd, and felt compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them.
with calm (Mk 6:34).

The young people to whom we are sent

26. The Lord indicated to Don Bosco, as the first and main recipients of his mission, the youth.
especially to the poorest.
Called to the same mission, we realize its extreme importance: young people live the years in
What fundamental life options do to prepare the future of society and the Church.
With Don Bosco we reaffirm our preference for the poor, abandoned, and at-risk youth. 36,the
who has a greater need to be loved and evangelized, and we work, above all, in the places of
greater poverty. (R 1.3.11. 15.26)

The young people of the world of work

27. Young people from popular environments who are oriented towards work and young workers,
they often encounter difficulties and are easily exposed to injustices.
Imitating the request of Don Bosco, we address them in order to make them suitable to occupy with
dignity their position in society and in the Church, and for them to become aware of their role in the
Christian transformation of social life.

Young people called to serve in the Church

28. In response to the needs of His people, the Lord calls, continuously and in various ways.
done, to follow it for the service of the Kingdom.
We are convinced that there are many young people rich in spiritual resources and with seeds of
apostolic vocation.
We help you discover, embrace, and mature the gift of lay, consecrated, or priestly vocation.
for the good of the whole Church and the Salesian family.
With the same request, we cultivate adult vocations. (R 9.16.17)

In popular environments

29. The preferential commitment to poor youth aligns with pastoral service to the environments.
popular.
We recognize the evangelical values they carry and the need they have to be
accompanied in the effort of human promotion and growth in faith. We therefore support them,
with all the means that inspire Christian charity37.
We direct our attention to the lay people responsible for the evangelization of the environment, and to the
family, where the different generations coincide38and they build the future of man. (R 14.25.26)

The still unevangelized peoples

30. The yet-to-be-evangelized peoples were the special object of the solicitude and apostolic passion of Don
Bosco, and they continue to urge and keep our zeal alive. In missionary work, we recognize a
essential feature of our Congregation.
With missionary action, we carry out a work of patient evangelization and church planting in a
human group3940This work mobilizes all the educational and pastoral resources typical of our charisma.

36
MB XIV, 662.
37
C 1875, cap. 1,7.
38
GS 52.
39
AG 6.
 Following the example of the Son of God, who became like his brothers in everything, the Salesian missionary does
yours the values of those towns and share their anguish and their hopes. (R 18-24)

Our pastoral educational service

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the
poor, to announce freedom to the captives, and sight to the blind; to give freedom to the oppressed; to
proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (Luke 4:18-19).

Comprehensive promotion

31. Our mission participates in the mission of the Church, which carries out God's salvific plan, the coming of his
Kingdom, bringing the message of the Gospel to men in close union with the development of order
temporal41.
We educate and evangelize following a project of comprehensive promotion of man, oriented towards Christ.
perfect man42True to Don Bosco's idea, our goal is to form honest citizens and good people.
Christians43.

Personal promotion

32. As educators, we collaborate with young people to develop their talents and skills to the fullest.
maturity.
In various circumstances, we share bread with them and promote their professional skills.
and cultural training.
Always and in all cases, we help them open up to the truth and acquire responsible freedom.
Con ese fin, nos esforzamos por suscitar en ellos la convicción y el gusto de los valores auténticos, que los
orientation towards dialogue and service. (R 4.6)

Social and collective promotion

Don Bosco clearly saw the social impact of his work.

We work in popular environments and for poor youth. We educate them for the
moral, professional, and social responsibilities collaborating with them, and we contribute to the promotion
of the group and of the environment.
We participate, from our condition as religious, in the testimony and commitment of the Church for
justice and peace. Remaining independent of any ideology and party politics, we reject
how much misery, injustice, and violence favor us, and we cooperate with those who build a society
more worthy of man.
The promotion, to which we dedicate ourselves with an evangelical spirit, realizes the liberating love of Christ and is
sign of the presence of the Kingdom of God.(R 6.26)

Evangelization and catechesis

34. This Society began as a simple catechesis441Also for us, evangelization and the
Catechesis is the fundamental dimension of our mission.
Like Don Bosco, we are all called, at all times, to be educators of faith. Our
the most eminent science is, therefore, to know Jesus Christ, and our deepest joy is to reveal it to everyone.
unfathomable riches of its mystery45.
We walk with the young people to lead them to the person of the risen Lord, so that,
discovering in Him and in His Gospel the supreme meaning of their own existence, may they grow as men
new.
The Virgin Mary is a maternal presence on this journey. We make her known and loved as the Woman.
46
what he/she believed and that helps and infuses hope.

Initiation in ecclesial life

40
AG 3 12 26.
41
EN 31.
42
GS 41.
43
Regulation Plan for the Oratory, 1854 (MB11,46).
44
MB IX, 61.
45
Ef 3,8-19.
46
3Lc 1,45.
35. We guide young people towards an ecclesial life experience with their entry and participation in a
community of faith.
To that end, we encourage and promote groups and movements of formation and apostolic action and
social. In these, young people grow in the awareness of their personal responsibilities, and learn to give
their irreplaceable contribution to the transformation of the world and to the life of the Church, making themselves
the first and immediate apostles of the youth47.(R 8)

Initiation into liturgical life

36. We initiate young people into conscious and active participation in the liturgy of the Church, the summit and
source of all Christian life48.
With them we celebrate the encounter with Christ in the listening to the Word, in prayer and in the
sacraments.
The Eucharist and Reconciliation, celebrated regularly, offer resources of exceptional value for
to educate in Christian freedom, in the conversion of the heart and in the spirit of sharing and serving within
the ecclesial community.

Vocational Guidance

We educate young people to develop their own human and baptismal vocation, through a
daily life progressively inspired and unified by the Gospel.
The family atmosphere, of welcome and faith created by the testimony of a community that dedicates itself with
Joy is the most effective environment for discovering and guiding vocations.
This collaborative work in the plan of God, the crowning of all our educational-pastoral labor,
It is sustained by prayer and personal contact, especially in spiritual direction. (R 9.16.17)

The preventive system in our mission

38. To carry out our educational and pastoral service, Don Bosco bequeathed us the preventive system.
This system rests entirely on reason, religion, and love.49does not appeal to impositions, but to
the resources of intelligence, of the heart, and of the longing for God, that every man carries deep within
of their being.
It brings together educators and young people in the same life experience, within a family atmosphere.

trust and dialogue.

Imitating God's patience, we welcome young people as they are in the development of their freedom.

We accompany you, so that you acquire solid convictions and progressively become.

responsible for the delicate process of growing their humanity

en la fe.(R 4.5.13.15)

Assistance as an attitude and method

39. The practice of the preventive system requires in us a fundamental attitude: sympathy and willingness.
to get in touch with young people. Here with you I feel good; my life is precisely to be
with you50.
We are among the youth as brothers, with an active and friendly presence, which fosters
all your initiatives to grow in goodness and encourage them to free themselves from all bondage, so that evil
Do not master your fragility.
This presence opens us up to the vital knowledge of the youth world and to solidarity with all aspects.
authentic in their dynamism.

47
AA 12.
48
SC 10.
49
MB XIII, 919.
50
MB IV. 654.
Salesian action criteria

Being free as I am, I have made myself a slave to all to win over all. I have made myself weak with the
weak, to win over the weak; I have become all things to all people, that I might win some, by any means necessary.
9,19.22).

The oratory of Don Bosco, a permanent criterion

40. Don Bosco lived a typical pastoral experience in his first oratory, which was a home for the young.
welcomes, parish that evangelizes, school that guides towards life, and yard where friendship is shared
and the joy.
Upon completing our mission today, the experience of Valdocco continues to be a permanent criterion of
discernment and renewal of all activity and work.

Criteria that inspire our activities and works

41. Our apostolic action is carried out in a plurality of forms, determined first of all by the
needs of those to whom we dedicate ourselves.
We enact the salvific charity of Christ by organizing activities and works of an educational-pastoral nature.
attentive to the needs of the environment and of the Church. Sensitive to the signs of the times, the
we verify, renew and create new ones with a spirit of initiative and constant flexibility.
The education and evangelization of many young people, especially among the poorest, compel us to
to reach them in their environment and to accompany them in their lifestyle with appropriate forms of service.
(R 1.)

Activities and works

42. We carry out our mission mainly through activities and works in which it is possible for us.
promote the human and Christian education of young people: such as the oratory and the youth center, the school and
the professional centers, the residences, and the houses for youth in difficulty.
In the parishes and missionary residences, we contribute to the spread of the Gospel and the promotion of
people, collaborating in the pastoral work of the particular Church with the riches of a specific vocation.
Through specialized centers, we offer our pedagogical and catechetical service in the field.
juvenile.
In the houses of spiritual exercises, we attend to the Christian formation of groups, especially
juveniles.
We also dedicate ourselves to any other work whose purpose is the salvation of youth. (R 11-30.35)

Social communication

43. We operate in the field of social communication. It is a significant area of action.51, which figures among
the apostolic priorities of the Salesian mission.
Our Founder sensed the value of this mass school, which creates culture and spreads models of life, and,
to defend and uphold the faith of the people, he undertook original apostolic ventures.

Following your example, we take advantage of the great possibilities that communication offers as gifts from God.
social offers us for education and evangelization. (R 31-34.41)

Co-responsible for the mission

The one who plants and the one who waters are the same; although each will receive their wages according to what they have worked. We are
co-workers of God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building” (1 Cor 3:8-9).

Community mission

51
IM 1.
44. The apostolic mandate, entrusted to us by the Church, is received and carried out, first and foremost, by the communities.
inspections and local. Their members have complementary functions, with all of them having incumbencies
important. They are aware that cohesion and fraternal co-responsibility allow achieving the
pastoral objectives.
The inspector and the director, as facilitators of dialogue and participation, guide the discernment.
pastoral of the community, so that it walks united and faithful in the realization of the apostolic project.

Common and complementary responsibilities

Each one of us is responsible for the common mission and participates in it with the richness of their
gifts and the lay and priestly characteristic of the unique Salesian vocation.
The Salesian coadjutor brings the intrinsic value of his laity to all educational and pastoral fields.
that specifically makes him a witness of the Kingdom of God in the world, close to young people and to the
realities of work.
The Salesian presbyter or deacon contributes to the common work of promotion and education in faith.
specific to his ministry, which makes him a sign of Christ the shepherd, especially with the preaching of the Gospel
and the sacramental action.
The significant and complementary presence of clerical and lay Salesians in the community constitutes
an essential element of its complete apostolic physiognomy

The young Salesians

The spirit of family and the characteristic dynamism of our mission make it especially
the apostolic contribution of the young Salesians is valid.
Closer to the new generations, they are capable of animation and enthusiasm, and are more
ready for new solutions.
The community, stimulating and guiding this generosity, fosters its religious-apostolic maturation.

La comunidad educativa y los seglares asociados a nuestro trabajo

47. In our works, we form the educational and pastoral community. This, in a family atmosphere, integrates
young people and adults, parents and educators, so that it can become a Church experience,
revealer of God's plan.
In this community, the laypeople associated with our work contribute the originality of their experience and
of their way of life.
We welcome and encourage your collaboration, and we offer you the opportunity to get to know and deepen
Salesian spirit and the practice of the preventive system.
We promote the spiritual growth of each individual and, to those who are called to it, we suggest that
share more closely our mission in the Salesian family. (R 4.5.148)

Solidarios con la Iglesia particular

48. The particular Church is the place where the community lives and fulfills its apostolic commitment. We
we incorporate into your pastoral, which has the bishop as its primary responsible.52and in the guidelines of the
episcopal conferences, a principle of action of greater scope.
We offer the contribution of the Salesian work and pedagogy, and from it we receive guidance and
support.
To achieve a more organic connection, we share initiatives with the groups of the Salesian family and
with other religious institutions.
We are willing to cooperate with civil organizations of education and social promotion. (R 2.13.25.35)

V
IN FRATERNAL AND APOSTOLIC COMMUNITIES
Let your love be genuine. As good brothers, be affectionate to one another, valuing each other.
more than to oneself. Contribute to the needs of the People of God; practice the
hospitality. Have equality of treatment with one another (Rom 12:9,10,13,16).

Value of community life

52
CIC, can. 678, 1.
49. Living and working together is for us, Salesians, a fundamental requirement and a sure path to realization.
our vocation.
53
That is why we come together in communities. , in which we love each other so much that we share everything in spirit of
family and we build the communion of people.
In the community, the mystery of the Trinity is reflected; in it, we find answers to aspirations.
deep in the heart and we become, for the young, signs of love and unity. (R 20)

Links of the unit

50. God calls us to live in community by giving us brothers to love.

Fraternal charity, the apostolic mission, and the practice of the evangelical counsels are the bonds that
they forge our unity and continually strengthen our communion.
We form thus one heart and one soul, to love and serve God.54and to help each other
others.(R 42)

Brotherly friendship relationships

51. St. Paul urges us: As God's chosen people, holy and beloved, let your uniform be:
endearing mercy, kindness, humility, sweetness, understanding. Bear with one another and
forgive us when anyone has complaints against another55.
The Salesian community is characterized by the spirit of family, which animates all moments of its
vida: el trabajo y la oración, las comidas y los tiempos de distensión, los contactos y las reuniones.
In a spirit of brotherly friendship, we share joys and sorrows, and we share responsibilities.
apostolic experiences and projects.

The brother in the community

The community welcomes the brother with an open heart, accepts him as he is, and fosters his growth.
It offers you the opportunity to showcase your gifts of nature and grace. It provides you with everything you need and
holds in moments of difficulty, doubt, fatigue, or illness.
Don Bosco used to say to those who asked to stay with him: Bread, work, and paradise: three things that I can
offer you in the name of the Lord56.
The brother commits to building the community in which he lives, and he loves it even if it is imperfect: he knows
that in it finds the presence of Christ.
Accept fraternal correction, combat whatever you discover in yourself that is anti-community, and participate with
generosity in life and in common work. Thank God for living with brothers who encourage it
help.

The elderly and sick brothers

The community surrounds the elderly and sick brothers with care and affection. They, with the
provision of services that are possible for them and accepting their personal situation, are a source of
blessing for the community, enrich their family spirit and deepen their unity.
Su vida adquiere un nuevo significado apostólico: ofreciendo con fe sus limitaciones y sufrimientos por
The brothers and the youth join the redemptive passion of the Lord and continue participating in the mission.
Salesian.

The death of the brother

54. The community supports the seriously ill brother with greater charity and prayer. When
the time has come to give to their consecrated life the supreme realization, the brothers help them participate with
fullness in the Easter of Christ.
The hope of entering into the joy of his Lord illuminates the death of the Salesian.57And when a Salesian
dies working for souls, the Congregation achieves a great triumph58.
The memory of the deceased brothers unites in the charity that never ends.59to the brothers who still
they wander with those who already rest in Christ. (R 47)

53
CIC can. 608.
54
C1875, cap. II, 1.
55
Colossians 3:12-13
56
MB XVIII, 420.
57
Matthew 25:21
58
MB XVII, 273
59
Love never fails.
The director in the community

55. The director represents Christ who unites his own in the service of the Father. He is at the center of the
community, as brothers among brothers, who recognize their responsibility and authority.
Its primary role is to encourage the community to live in fidelity to the Constitutions.
and grow in unity. Coordinate the efforts of all, taking into account rights, duties, and
capacity of each one.
He also has direct responsibility towards each brother. He helps him fulfill his personal vocation.
and he supports it in the work that has been entrusted to him.
Extends its request to young people and collaborators, so that they grow in shared responsibility of the
common mission.
In the words, in the frequent contacts, and in the timely decisions, he is a father, teacher, and guide.
spiritual. (R 42.48)

Welcoming community

56. The brothers live their personal commitment and the ability to share simply, in welcome and the
hospitality. With their attentions and joy, they know how to make others participants in the family spirit
Salesian.
Nevertheless, to promote mutual respect and expressions of fraternal communion, the
community reserve, for the exclusive use of the brothers, some areas of the religious house60.(R 21.45)

Open community

The Salesian community acts in communion with the particular Church.

It is open to the values of the world and attentive to the cultural context in which it carries out its actions.
apostolic. Supportive of the human group in whose environment it lives, it maintains good relations with everyone.
In this way, it is a revealing sign of Christ and his salvation, present among men, and it becomes
breeding ground for new vocations, following the example of the first community of Valdocco.

Inspectorial community

58. Las comunidades locales son parte viva de la comunidad inspectorial. Ésta promueve su comunión
fraternal and holds them in the mission.
Continue with love towards the new brothers, be diligent in the training of everyone, rejoice in their successes and
she rejoices in her personal celebrations, mourns her loss, and keeps her memory alive.
Attentive to youth situations, she coordinates and reviews the apostolic work through her organizations.
promotes collaboration, encourages vocational ministry, provides continuity of works and opens up to
new activities.
Cultivate fraternity and express it in concrete acts of solidarity towards the other inspectorates.
Congregation and the Salesian family.

World community

59. The religious profession incorporates the Salesian into the Society and makes him a participant in the communion of
spirit, testimony, and service that she lives in the universal Church.
The union with the Rector Major and his Council, the solidarity in apostolic initiatives, and the communication
and information about the work of the brothers, by increasing communion, deepen the meaning of
belonging and opening to the service of the global community. (R 103)

VI
Following Christ obedient, poor and chaste
For Him I have lost everything, in order to gain Christ, as Christ Jesus won me.

Following Christ

60. With the religious profession, we aim to live the baptismal grace more fully and radically.

60
CIC, can. 667,1.
 We follow Jesus Christ who, virgin and poor, redeemed and sanctified men through his obedience.61,y
participamos más íntimamente en el misterio de su Pascua, en su anonadamiento y en su vida en el
Spirit.
Through our full adherence to God, loved above all things, we commit ourselves to carry a
a way of life entirely based on the values of the Gospel.

Fraternal and apostolic love

61. Don Bosco frequently points out that the sincere practice of the vows greatly strengthens the
bonds of fraternal love and cohesion in apostolic action.
The profession of the counsels helps us to live in communion with the brothers of the religious community,
like in a family that enjoys the presence of the Lord62.
The evangelical counsels, by promoting the purification of the heart and the freedom of spirit63,
the obedient, poor, and chaste Salesian is in conditions to make our pastoral charity fruitful and solicitous
to love and serve those whom the Lord entrusts to him, especially poor young people.

Special sign of the presence of God

The practice of the counsels, lived according to the spirit of the beatitudes, makes it more convincing.
our announcement of the Gospel.
In a world tempted by atheism and by the idolatry of pleasure, possession, and power, our
a way of life testifies, especially to young people, that God exists and his love can fill a life; and
that the need to love, the longing to possess, and the freedom to decide one's own existence reach their
supreme sense in Christ the Savior.
Our way of living also takes into account the attire: that worn by the clergy - according to the
provisions of the local churches of the towns where they live – and the simple dress that Don Bosco
he advised the lay partners64, they want to be an external sign of this testimony and service65.

63. El ofrecimiento de la propia libertad en la obediencia, el espíritu de pobreza evangélica y el amor hecho
Given in chastity, they make the Salesian a sign of the strength of the resurrection.
The evangelical counsels, by directing all their heart towards the Kingdom, help them to discern and embrace the
God's action in history; and in the simplicity and diligence of each day, it transforms him into an educator who
announce to the young a new heaven and a new earth66and in this way, it ignites in them the commitments and
the joy of hope67.

Our obedience

Christ, despite being the Son, learned, suffering, to obey, suffering, to obey. And, led to the
consummation has become, for all who obey him, the author of salvation (Hb 5:8-9).

Evangelical meaning of our obedience

64. Our Savior assured us that he came to the earth not to do his own will,
but the will of the Father who is in heaven68.
Through the profession of obedience, we offer our will to God and we live, in the Church and in
the Congregation, the obedience of Christ fulfilling the mission that is entrusted to us. Docile to
Spirit and attentive to the signs that He offers us in the events, we adopt the Gospel.
as the supreme rule69of life, the Constitutions as a safe path, and to the superiors and the
community as daily interpreters of the will of God.

61
PC 1.
62
PC 15
63
LG 46
64
C 1875, XV, 1-3.
65
CIC.Can. 669.
66
Revelation 21:1
67
Rorn 12,12.
68
C 1875, III, 1.
69
PC 2.
Salesian style of obedience and authority

65. In the Salesian tradition, obedience and authority are practiced with the spirit of family and
charity that makes relationships based on esteem and mutual trust. The superior
he guides, directs, and encourages, making discreet use of his authority. All the brothers collaborate with
a sincere, diligent obedience carried out with joy and humility70The service of the authority and
the availability for obedience is a principle of cohesion - and a guarantee of continuity of
Congregation; for the Salesian, they are a path to holiness, a source of energy in work, of
joy and peace. (R 50)

Co-responsibility in obedience

In the community and with a view to the mission, we all obey, even while performing different roles.
By listening to the Word of God and celebrating the Eucharist, we express and renew our common commitment.
to the divine will.
In the most important matters, we seek together the will of the Lord in fraternal, patient dialogue and
with a spirit of co-responsibility.
The superior exercises their authority by listening to the brothers, stimulating the participation of everyone and
promoting the union of wills in faith and charity. He concludes the moment of the search in
common making timely decisions, which will usually arise from the convergence of opinions.
Consequently, we all commit to its realization, collaborating loyally even when not
our viewpoints have been accepted.

Personal obedience and freedom

67. The Salesian is called to obey with a spirit of freedom and responsibility, putting all of that into it.
your forces of intelligence and will, as well as the gifts of nature and grace71.
Obey with faith, and recognize in the superior a help and a sign that God offers him to manifest to him his
will.
This obedience leads to maturity, increasing the freedom of the children of God.72.

Requirements of the vote of obedience

68. By the vow of obedience, the Salesian commits to obeying his legitimate superiors in what
it refers to the observance of the Constitutions73.
When a precept is given expressly by virtue of the vow of obedience, the obligation to obey
It is serious. Only senior superiors and directors can give such a precept; let them do it, without
embargo, rarely, in writing or before two witnesses, and only when it is required by some serious reason74.

Personal gifts and obedience

Each one puts their qualities and gifts at the service of the common mission.
The superior, assisted by the community, has a special responsibility in the discernment of such matters.
gifts and in promoting their development and proper exercise.
If the concrete needs of charity and apostolate demand the sacrifice of desires and plans of
For if they are legitimate, the brother accepts in faith whatever obedience asks of him, although he can always resort to the
superior authority.
To take on responsibilities or commitments, in addition to those assigned to him in the community, he asks
75
authorization to the legitimate superior .

Conversation with the superior

70. Every brother, faithful to Don Bosco's recommendation, maintains frequent contact with his superior.
in the midst of the fraternal colloquy.
It is a privileged moment of dialogue, which benefits the brother and favors the good progress of the
community.
In it, he speaks confidently about his life and activities and, if he wishes, about the state of his conscience.

70
C 1875, 111, 2.
71
PC 14.
72
PC 14.
73
CIC, can. 601
74
ClC, can- 49 ss.
75
CIC, can. 671.
Obedience and mystery of the cross

71. Instead of doing works of penance - Don Bosco tells us - do works of obedience.76.
Sometimes obedience goes against our inclination towards independence and selfishness, or it may require tests.
difficulties of love. It is the time to look at Christ obedient unto death.77My Father, if this cup does not
It can pass without me drinking it, your will be done.78.
The mystery of his death and resurrection teaches us how fruitful it is for us to obey: the grain.
what dies in the darkness of the earth, bears much fruit79.

Our poverty

Jesus answered him: If you want to reach the end, sell what you have, give the money to the poor - then you will have
a treasure in heaven - and then come follow me (Mt 19:21).

Evangelical meaning of our poverty

72. We know the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor to
enrich ourselves with his poverty80.
Called to a life intensely evangelical, we choose to follow the Savior, who was born in poverty,
lived in the deprivation of all goods and died naked on a cross81.
Like the Apostles when invited by the Lord, we free ourselves from worry and the rush for the
land assets82 and, putting our trust in the providence of the Father, we dedicate ourselves to the service of
Gospel.

Poverty and Salesian mission

73. Don Bosco lived poverty as a detachment of the heart and generous service to his brothers, with
austere style, industrious and rich in initiatives.
Following your example, we also live detached from all earthly goods.83and we participate
with entrepreneurial spirit in the mission of the Church and in its effort for justice and peace, above all
educating the needy.
The testimony of our poverty, lived in the communion of goods, helps young people to overcome instinct.
of selfish possession and opens them to the Christian sense of sharing.

Requirements of the vow of poverty

74. By the vow of poverty, we commit to not using or disposing of material goods without the
consent of the legitimate superior.
Every sibling retains ownership of their property and the ability to acquire other assets; but
Before the profession, he freely disposes of its use and usufruct, and assigns its administration to others.
Before the perpetual profession, he grants a will, in accordance with the laws of the civil code. After serious
reflection, to manifest their total abandonment to divine Providence, can also renounce in a
definitive to the assets whose ownership has been reserved, in accordance with universal and specific law. (R 51-53)

Personal commitment to poverty

75. Each one of us is the primary responsible for our poverty. That is why, live daily with detachment.
promised with a poor lifestyle.
In the use of temporary goods, he accepts depending on the superior and the community; but he knows that the
permission received does not exempt you from being poor in reality and in spirit84.
Be careful not to gradually yield to the desire for well-being and comforts, which are a threat.
directly to fidelity and apostolic generosity.
When their state of poverty causes them any discomfort or suffering.85, is happy to be able to
to participate in the beatitude promised by the Lord to the poor in spirit86.(R 55)

76
MB XIII, 89.
77
Philippians 2:8; Matthew Bible IV, 233.
78
Matthew 26:42.
79
John 12:24.
80
2 Corinthians 8:9
81
C 1875 (Introduction), p. XXIV.
82
Matthew 6:25 and following
83
C 1875, IV, 7.
84
PC 13.
85
C 1875 (Introduction), p. XXVI.
The communion of goods

76. Following the example of the early Christians, we share our material possessions.87the fruits of our
work, the gifts received, and what we perceive from retirement, subsidy, and insurance. We also contribute
our talents, energies, and experiences.
In the community, the good of one is the good of all.
Whatever we have, we share brotherly with the communities of the inspectorate, and we are
solidarity with the needs of the entire Congregation, the Church, and the world. (R 56-58.63
197.201

Testimony of poverty in the community and in the works

77. Each community, attentive to the conditions of the environment in which it lives, testifies to its poverty.
living simply and frugally in a modest residence.
Following the example of our Founder and with his same spirit, we accept the possession of the necessary means.
for our work, and we manage them so that their service purpose is evident to everyone.
The choice of activities and the location of the works respond to the needs of the poor;
material structures are inspired by criteria of simplicity and functionality. (R 1.58-65)

The work

78. Hard and sacrificial work is a characteristic inherited from Don Bosco and a concrete expression of
our poverty.
In the hard work of each day, we associate with the poor who live from their own effort and
we testify to the human and Christian value of work88(R 64)

Solidarity with the poor

The spirit of poverty leads us to be supportive of the poor and to love them in Christ.89.
Therefore, we strive to be by your side and alleviate your hardship, making your own.
legitimate aspirations for a more humane society.
By asking for or accepting help for the service of those in need, we imitate Don Bosco in zeal and in
gratitude, and like him we remain evangelically free. Remember - he warns us - that it is not ours
What do we have, if not the poor. Woe to us if we do not use it well!90.

Our chastity
I am convinced that neither death, nor life; neither present, nor future, nor any creature will be able to separate us from
the love of God, manifested in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Rom 8:38-39).

Evangelical meaning of our chastity

80. The chastity consecrated by the Kingdom is a precious gift of divine grace, granted to some by the
Father91As a response of faith, we welcome it with gratitude and commit ourselves with a vow to live the
perfect continence in celibacy92.
We closely follow Jesus Christ, choosing an intensely evangelical way to love God and others.
brothers with an undivided heart93.
We thus integrate ourselves with a specific vocation to the mystery of the Church, intimately united to
Christ94by participating in its fertility, we dedicate ourselves to our mission.

Chastity and Salesian mission

81. Don Bosco lived chastity as unlimited love for God and for the youth. He wanted it to be a distinctive sign.
of the Salesian Society: Whoever spends their life in favor of abandoned youth must, without a doubt, put
86
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
87
Acts 4:32.
88
ET 20.
89
PC 13.
90
MB V, 682.
91
LG, 42.
92
CIC, can. 599.
93
LG 42.
94
ET 13-14; RD 11.
the utmost effort to enrich oneself with all virtues, but the virtue that should be cultivated the most
diligence [...] is the virtue of chastity95.
Our tradition has always regarded chastity as a radiant virtue and bearer of a message
especially for the education of youth. It makes us witnesses of Christ's preference for the
Youth allows us to love them sincerely, so that they realize they are loved.96, yoke pone
in conditions to educate them in love and purity.

Chastity and human maturity

82. The educational and pastoral demands of our mission and the fact that the observance of the
perfect continence affects the deepest inclinations of human nature97they require in the
Salesian psychological balance and emotional maturity.
Don Bosco warned: Whoever does not harbor a founded hope of being able to keep, with the help of God,
virtue of chastity in words, in deeds, and in thoughts, do not profess in this Society,
Well, he would often find himself in danger.98.(R 68)

Chastity and community life

83. The consecrated chastity, sign and stimulus of charity.99liberates and empowers our ability to
make everything for everyone. Develop in us the Christian sense of personal relationships, promote
authentic friendships and helps to make the community a family.
At the same time, the fraternal atmosphere of the community helps us to live the celibacy for the Kingdom with joy and to

overcoming, supported by understanding and affection, the difficult moments.

Attitudes and means to grow in chastity

84. Chastity is not a conquest that is achieved once and for all: it has moments of peace and moments

It is a gift that, due to human weakness, requires daily effort of fidelity.

That is why the Salesian, faithful to the Constitutions, lives in work and temperance, practices mortification and
the guard of the senses, uses the social communication instruments with discretion and prudence, and does not
neglect the natural resources that promote physical and mental health.
Above all, implore God's help and live in His presence, nourish your love for Christ at the table of
Word and the Eucharist, humbly purifies it in the sacrament of Reconciliation and entrusts itself with
simplicity to a spiritual guide.
Turn with filial trust to Mary Immaculate and Help of Christians, who helps you to love as Don loved.
Bosco. (R 44.66-68)

VII
IN DIALOGUE WITH THE LORD
Let the Word of Christ dwell among you in all its richness; teach one another with all wisdom;
exhort one another. Sing to God, give thanks from the heart with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus (Col 3:16-17).

The gift of prayer

85. The community visibly manifests the mystery of the Church, which does not arise from human will,
but it is the fruit of the Lord's Easter. In the same way, God gathers our community and sustains it.
united with His invitation, His Word, and His love.
When they pray, the Salesian community responds - to that invitation, it rekindles the awareness of its relationship.
intimate and vital with God and His mission of salvation, and makes Don Bosco's invocation its own: Give me
spirits, etc. take it away.

95
C 1875, V, 1.
96
DB, Letter from Rome 1884, MB XVII, 110.
97
PC 12.
98
C 1875, V, 2.
99
LG 42.
The Salesian prayer

86. Docile to the Holy Spirit, Don Bosco lived the experience of a humble prayer, full
of trust and apostolic, which spontaneously linked prayer with life.
From him we learn to recognize the action of grace in the lives of young people: we pray for them,
for each of them to fulfill the plan of God, and we pray with them to bear witness to our faith and
share the same hope of salvation.
The Salesian prayer is joyful and creative, simple and profound; it opens up to community participation.
connects with life and in it extends.

Community that listens to the Word

87. The People of God is gathered, first of all, by the Word of the living God.100.
The word heard with faith is, for us, a source of spiritual life, food for prayer, light for
to know God's will in events and strength to live our vocation with fidelity.
Having the Holy Scriptures in our hands daily101, like Mary we welcome the Word and
we meditate on it in our heart102in order to make it fruitful and announce it zealously.

Community united by the Eucharist

88. The listening to the Word finds its privileged place in the celebration of the Eucharist. This is the
the central act of each day for the entire Salesian community, which celebrates it as a feast in a living liturgy.
In it, the community celebrates the Paschal mystery and receives the body of Christ, sacrificed to build itself.
in it as fraternal communion and renew their apostolic commitment.
The concelebration highlights the riches of this mystery: it evidences the triple unity of
sacrifice, of the priesthood and of the community, whose members are all at the service of the same mission.
The presence of the Eucharist in our homes is for us, children of Don Bosco, a reason to
frequently visit the Lord. From Him, we draw dynamism and consistency in our work for the youth.
R 70

The mystery of Christ in time

89. The Liturgy of the Hours extends the grace of the Eucharistic mystery to the different moments of the day.103.
104
The community, united to Christ and the Church, praises and implores the Father, nurturing its union with Him. and it
remains attentive to the will of God. The community celebrates lauds as morning prayer and vespers
as an afternoon prayer, and he does it with the dignity and fervor that Don Bosco recommended,
remaining for the clergy the obligation incurred at their ordination105.
Sunday is the day of paschal joy. Lived in apostolic work, in prayer and in joy, it gives
new vigor to the confidence and optimism of the Salesian.
During the liturgical year, the commemoration of the mysteries of the Lord makes our life a time of
salvation in hope106(R 70)

Community in continuous conversion

90. The Word of God calls us to a continuous conversion.

Aware of our fragility, we respond with vigilance and sincere remorse, the
fraternal correction, mutual forgiveness, and the serene acceptance of each day's cross.
The sacrament of reconciliation brings to fullness the penitential effort of each individual and of all the
community.
Prepared with the daily examination of conscience and received frequently, according to the instructions of the
Church, provides us with the joy of the Father's forgiveness, rebuilds fraternal communion, and purifies the
apostolic intentions. (R 73)

Moments of renewal

100
PO 4.
101
PC 6.
102
Lc 2,19.51
103
IGLH 10.12.
104
LG 3.
105
CIC, can. 1174,1.
106
SC 102.
91. Our willingness to convert is renewed in the monthly retreat and in the spiritual exercises of each
Yes. These are times of spiritual recovery, which Don Bosco considered as the fundamental part and...
synthesis of all practices of piety107.
For the community and each Salesian, it is a special occasion to listen to the Word of God, to discern.

his will and purify the heart.

These moments of grace give our spirit a deep unity in the Lord Jesus, and keep alive the

waiting for his coming.(R 72)

Mary in the life and in the prayer of the Salesian

92. Mary, Mother of God, occupies a unique place in the history of salvation.
She is a model of prayer and pastoral charity, a teacher of wisdom and a guide for our Family.
We contemplate and imitate their faith, the concern for the needy, the faithfulness in the hour of the cross and the

I rejoice in the wonders performed by the Father.

Mary Immaculate and Help of Christians educates us for full donation to the Lord and encourages us in service to

the brothers.

We profess a strong filial devotion to her. We pray the rosary every day and celebrate her feast days.

end of stimulating us to a more convinced and personal imitation. (R 74)

The personal sentence

We can only form praying communities if we are personally men of prayer.

Each one of us needs to express in our intimacy our personal way of being a child of God, to show Him our
gratitude and entrusting your apostolic desires and concerns.
An essential form of prayer for us is mental prayer. This reinforces our intimacy.
with God, save from routine, keep the heart free and maintain the commitment to others. For Don Bosco it is
guarantee of joyful perseverance in the vocation. (R 71)

The memory of the deceased brothers

94. Faith in the risen Christ sustains our hope and keeps the communion with our brothers alive.
may they rest in the peace of Christ. They devoted their lives to the Congregation, and not a few suffered.
even martyrdom out of love for the Lord.
United in an exchange of spiritual goods, we offer for them, with gratitude, the suffrages.
prescribed.
His memory encourages us to continue faithfully with our mission. (R 47.76)

La vida como oración

95. Immersed in the world and in the concerns of pastoral life, the Salesian learns to find
God in those to whom it is sent.
Upon discovering the fruits of the Spirit108, in the lives of men, especially of young people, gives
109
thank you for everything by sharing their problems and sufferings, he/she invokes for them the light and strength of his/her
presence.
He nourishes himself on the charity of the Good Shepherd, of whom he wants to be a witness, and participates in spiritual riches.
what your community offers you.

107
C 1875, (Introduction), p. XXXIV.
108
Galatians 5:22.
109
Ephesians 5:20
 The need for God, felt in apostolic work, leads him to celebrate the liturgy of life and achieves
that tireless labor, sanctified by prayer and union with God, which must be the characteristic
of the sons of Saint John Bosco110.

110
R 1924, art. 291.
Third Part

Trained for the mission of pastor educators

VIII
GENERAL ASPECTS OF OUR TRAINING
Salesian education
"Making the truth in love, let us grow all things towards Him, who is the head: Christ" (Eph 4:15).

Vocation and training

96. Jesus personally called his Apostles to be with Him and to send them to proclaim the
Gospel111He prepared them with patient love and gave them the Holy Spirit, so that it would guide them to
the fullness of truth112.
It also calls us to live in the Church the project of our Founder, as apostles of
the youth.
We respond to this call with the effort of proper and ongoing training, for which the
The Lord gives us His grace daily.

Salesian orientation of training

97. The first Salesians found in Don Bosco a reliable guide. Vitally incorporated into his
community in action, they learned to model their own life after hers.
We also find in him our model. The religious-apostolic nature of the
Salesian vocation determines the specific orientation of our formation; such orientation is necessary.
for the life and unity of the Congregation.

The educational experience

98. Enlightened by the person of Christ and by his Gospel, lived according to the spirit of Don Bosco, the
Salesians commit to a lifelong formation process that respects their rhythms of
maturation. Experience the values of the Salesian vocation in the different moments of its
existence, and accepts the asceticism that such a path entails.
With the help of Maria, mother and teacher, he strives to become a pastor educator for the youth.
in the lay or priestly form that is proper to it.

Personal and community responsibility

99. Every Salesian assumes responsibility for their own formation. Docile to the Holy Spirit, they develop their
aptitudes and the gifts of grace with a constant effort of conversion and renewal, living and
working for the common mission.
The natural environment for vocational growth is the community, in which the brother integrates with.
trust and collaborate responsibly. The very life of the community, united in Christ and open to the
The needs of the times require it to be a trainer; it must, therefore, progress and renew itself continuously.

Unit of training and cultures

100. The charisma of the Founder is the principle of unity of the Congregation and, due to its fruitfulness, is at the root.
of the various ways of living the only Salesian vocation. Consequently, training is to the same
unitary time in its essential contents and differentiated in its concrete realizations: embraces and
develop all that is true, noble, and just113in different cultures.

Inspectorial community and training

111
Mark 3:14
112
John
16:13.
113
Philippians 4:8.
101. The inspectorial community welcomes and supports the vocation of each brother, and takes care of the preparation of
the trainers and the training structures, and encourages the training work of local communities.
Through the various bodies of animation and governance, it is responsible for establishing the way to carry out the
training according to the needs of the cultural context, in accordance with the guidelines of the Church and the
Congregation.
In exercising this common responsibility, every Salesian contributes, with their prayer and testimony, to
to support and renew the vocation of their brothers.

Initial training

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Sam 3:9).

Complexity and unity of education

102. Initial training aims at the human maturation and intellectual preparation of the brother.
young, along with the deepening of their consecrated life and the gradual incorporation into educational work-
pastoral.
In the formative experience, all these aspects must harmonize in vital unity.

The training communities

103. Initial training is usually conducted in communities specifically structured for that purpose.
Open according to the educational style of Don Bosco, they take into account the aspirations of young people for a
a more personal and more brotherly life.
In them, our spirit lives more intensely: all their members form a family among themselves,
cemented in faith and enthusiasm for Christ, and united in mutual esteem and in the convergence of the
efforts.
Trainers and brothers in formation, while preserving the diversity of functions, create a climate of
co-responsibility and they are clearly reaching the training goals. (R 78.80.81)

Role of the trainers

104. In the training communities, trainers have a specific and necessary role.
They ensure the brothers in formation the conditions for a valid experience and a serious reflection.
doctrinal in a suitable environment.
Aware of being mediators of the Lord's action, they strive to form, alongside the director -
community guide and spirit master - a team convinced of its common responsibility.
For this task, men of faith are chosen, capable of vital communication of the Salesian ideal.
capable of dialogue and with sufficient pastoral experience. (R 78)

The Salesian in initial formation

For the Salesian, initial formation, more than expectation, is already a time of work and holiness. It is a
time of dialogue between God's initiative, which calls and guides, and the freedom of the Salesian, which assumes
progressively the commitments of their own training.
On this path of increasing responsibilities, it is sustained by prayer, spiritual direction,
reflection, study, and fraternal relationships. (R 79)

Training curriculum

106. The initial formation of lay salesians, of future priests and of permanent deacons
It usually has a parity-level curriculum, with the same stages and with objectives and content.
similar.
The distinctions are determined by the specific vocation of each individual, by their gifts and
personal aptitudes and the needs of our apostolate. (R 95.97.98)

Incorporation into Society and periods of training

107. Each one, before being definitively incorporated into the Society, goes through the following periods of
formation: preparation for the novitiate, novitiate, and period of temporary profession.
Such periods are necessary for the candidate and for the community, in order to be able to discern mutually.
collaboration with the will of God and responding to it.
The candidate gradually gets to know the Congregation, and in turn, it can assess his/her.
aptitudes for Salesian life.
The admissions

108. Admission to the novitiate, to temporary or perpetual profession, to the ministries, and to the orders.
sacred, once the candidate has freely submitted their request, the inspector makes it with the
consent of its Council, knowing the opinion of the director of the community with its Council.
The superiors base their judgment on positive elements that demonstrate the candidate's suitability, having
first presents the canonical requirements114R 81.93.94

IX
THE FORMATIVE PROCESS
He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 1:6).

Preparation for the novitiate

The novitiate

109. Those who are oriented towards the Salesian life are offered the environment and the appropriate conditions to
that he may know his vocation and mature as a man and as a Christian. In this way, with the help of a guide
spiritual, can decide with greater knowledge and free from external and internal pressures.
Immediately before the novitiate, special preparation is required to reflect.
seriously about the vocational option and verify the necessary suitability to begin the novitiate.
This preparation is carried out through a community and Salesian apostolic life experience. (R 88)

110. In the novitiate, the candidate has the opportunity to begin the religious experience.
Salesian.
Therefore, the community must be an example of a life based on faith and nourished by prayer, where
Evangelical simplicity, joy, friendship, and mutual respect create an atmosphere of trust and docility.
With the help of the master, the novice studies in depth the motivations for his choice, he verifies his
suitability for the Salesian vocation, and is oriented towards the complete giving of oneself to God for the
service of the youth according to the spirit of Don Bosco. (R 89.92)

Duration of the novitiate

The novitiate lasts twelve months, according to the norm of the law.115. Comienza cuando el candidato, admitido
by the inspector, enters the novitiate house, canonically established, and places himself under the direction of
master.
The absence that exceeds three continuous or discontinuous months 1o invalidates. The absence that exceeds
It must be recovered within fifteen days. (R 93)

The novice master

The novice master is the spiritual guide who coordinates and encourages all the formative work of the novitiate.
Be a man of spiritual experience and Salesian, prudent, up to date on psychological realities.
and in the problems of youth condition. He/she has ease in human relationships and capacity for
dialogue; by their kindness, inspire trust in the novices.
Es profeso perpetuo. Lo nombra el inspector con el consentimiento de su Consejo y la aprobación del
Rector Major. Remains in office for three years and can be confirmed in it.

Temporary profession period

113. The first profession begins a period of consecrated life during which the brother, with the support of
the community and the spiritual guide, complete the maturation process with a view towards perpetual profession,
and develops, as a lay Salesian or a candidate for the priesthood, the various aspects of his vocation.
The profession, in the first triennium, will be triennial or annual; in the second triennium it will ordinarily be triennial.
95.96

114
CIC, can. 642-645; 1019 1054
115
CIC, can. 647,3; 648; 649,1.
The immediate post-novitiate

114. After the first profession follows a stage of religious maturation, which continues the experience.
formation of the novitiate and prepares the internship.
The deepening in the life of faith and in the spirit of Don Bosco and a proper philosophical preparation,
pedagogical and catechetical, in dialogue with culture, guide the young brother to integrate
progressively faith, culture and life. (R 95)

The internship

115. Throughout the entire initial training, importance is given, along with the study, to the activities.
pastoral of our mission.
The internship is a stage of intense life confrontation with Salesian action in an experience.
educational-pastoral. In it, the young Salesian practices the preventive system and, above all,
in the Salesian assistance.
Accompanied by the director and the community, he/she makes a personal synthesis between his/her activity and the values of the
vocation.

Specific training of the Salesian priest and the Salesian layperson

116. After the internship, the Salesian completes the initial training.
The specific training of the candidate for the presbyteral ministry follows the guidelines and norms provided.
for the Church and for the Congregation. Its objective is to prepare the pastor educator priest from the
salesian perspective.
Specific training offers the Salesian coadjutor, along with a deeper understanding of
spiritual heritage of the Congregation, an adequate theological preparation in line with laicity
dedicated, and completes her training with a view to apostolic educational work. (R 97.98)

The perpetual profession

117. The member makes perpetual profession when he has reached the Salesian spiritual maturity that is required.
the importance of such an option.
The celebration of this act is preceded by a suitable time for immediate preparation, and
accompanied by the fraternal attention of the inspectorate community.
The perpetual profession is typically made six years after the first profession. However,
If the inspector deems it appropriate, they can extend this time, but not exceeding nine years. (R 94)

Need for ongoing training

In a pluralistic context and of rapid transformations, the evolutionary character of the person and the quality
and the fruitfulness of our religious-apostolic life requires that, after the initial stages, we continue
our training. We strive to grow in human maturity, to be configured more deeply to Christ and
renew the fidelity to Don Bosco, to respond to the always new demands of the youth condition and
popular.
Through personal and community initiatives, we cultivate life, Salesian spirituality, the implementation of
day in theology and pastoral care, professional competence and apostolic creativity. (R 99-102)

Lifelong learning as a personal attitude

119. By living among young people and in constant contact with popular environments, the Salesian
strive to discern in events the voice of the Spirit, thereby acquiring the ability to learn
of life. It attributes educational effectiveness to its ordinary activities and also takes advantage of the means of
training provided to them.
During the time of full activity, find occasions to renew the religious-pastoral sense of
his life and train to do his job with more competence.
He also feels called to approach any situation with a formative concern, as he considers it
favorable time to grow in your vocation. (R 10.19.99-102)
Fourth Part

The service of authority in our Society

PRINCIPLES AND GENERAL CRITERIA

Whoever wants to be great must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all. For the
The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
10,43-45).

Fundamental structures of our Society

120. Our Society is structured in inspectorial communities that, in turn, are articulated in
local communities.
The government from the center ensures the unity of life and action in the diversity of environments and
situations.
The central, inspectorial, and local government is exercised with ordinary authority by a superior assisted by his
Advice.
The supreme authority over the entire Congregation belongs to the General Chapter. To the chapters
Inspectors are recognized certain powers within the scope of the inspection.

Nature of the service of the authority

121. Authority, in the Congregation, is exercised in the name of and in imitation of Christ as a service to the
brothers according to the spirit of Don Bosco, to seek and fulfill the will of the Father.
This service is aimed at promoting charity, coordinating everyone's efforts, encouraging, guiding, deciding and
correct, in order to achieve our mission.
According to our tradition, communities have a priest partner as a guide who, by
grace of the presbyteral ministry and pastoral experience sustains and guides the spirit and action of the
brothers.
As the law indicates116, is obliged to issue the profession of faith.

Unity in the government of the Society

122. Superiors, at all levels of government, participate in the same and única authority, and exercise it.
in communion with the Rector Major for the good of the whole Society. In this way, while promoting the
Good of each community, they strive with request for unity, the increase and the improvement of all the
Congregation.

Participation and co-responsibility

123. The common vocation implies the responsible and effective participation of all members in life and the
action of the local, inspectorate, and global community: both in terms of action and in the
programming, organization, and review, according to the respective positions and competencies.
Such co-responsibility requires the participation of the siblings, according to the most
convenient, in the election of government officials at various levels and in the drafting
of his most significant decisions.
It is the duty of those who exercise authority to promote and guide this contribution through information.
appropriate, personal dialogue and community reflection. (R 169)

Subsidiarity and decentralization

124. Authority of any kind and level leaves, to the initiative of lower bodies and individuals, the
that they can decide and act according to their respective competencies. In this way, it values the
people and communities and a more genuine commitment is favored.
El principio de subsidiariedad implica la descentralización. Ésta, a la vez que salvaguarda la unidad,
recognizes a convenient autonomy and an equitable distribution of powers among the various bodies of
government.

XI

116
CIC, can. 833, 8°
SERVICE OF THE AUTHORITY IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY

Sed pastores del rebano de Dios que tenéis a vuestro cargo, gobernándolo no a la fuerza, sino de buena
earn, as God wants; not as despots over God's inheritance, but becoming models of
flock (1 Peter 5:2-3)

The Supreme Pontiff

125. The Salesian Society has the Supreme Pontiff as its supreme superior, to whose authority the members are subject.
sometimes filially even by virtue of the vow of obedience, being at their disposal for the good of the Church
universal. Acogen con docilidad su magisterio y ayudan a los fieles, especialmente si son jóvenes, a aceptar
their teachings.

The Major Rector

126. The Rector Major, superior of the Salesian Society, is the successor of Don Bosco, the father and the center.
of the unity of the Salesian family.
His main request is to promote, in communion with the General Council, the constant fidelity of the
partners in the Salesian charisma, to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Lord to our Society. (R 103)

127. The Major Rector has ordinary governing power and exercises it, in accordance with the law, over
all the inspections, houses, and partners, in the spiritual and in the temporal. Visit, personally or by others,
all the inspectorates and the local communities.
Convenes and presides over the General Council. Officially represents the Society. (R 104.105)

128. The Rector Major is elected by the General Chapter for a period of six years, and can be
reelected only for a second consecutive term. He cannot resign from his position without the
consent of the Apostolic See.

129. In order for a member to be elected Rector Major, he must be a priest and have been a member for at least ten years.
perpetual profession and distinguished by their love for the Church and the Congregation, for their exemplary life,
pastoral dynamism and skill and prudence in governance.

General Council

130. The General Council cooperates with the Rector Major in the animation and governance of the Congregation.
It is the Council's responsibility to identify and study the issues that concern the common good of the
Society, promote fraternal unity among the inspectorates, and ensure that the organization becomes increasingly
effective in carrying out the Salesian mission in the world.

131. The counselors collaborate with the Rector Major by giving their opinion and vote. In communion with him, they attend to
to the tasks received from the General Chapter and to those that the Rector Major deems appropriate to assign.
this reason resides in the same house as the Rector Major. (R 106)

132. §1. The Major Rector must have the consent of his Council to:
the erection or suppression of inspection offices, visitor offices or other districts (156 C);
2. the opening and closing of houses, or the change of purpose of existing works, according to regulations of
law117(165 C);
3. the erection of novitiates (11° C);
4. the convocation of the General Chapter, in accordance with Article 149 of the Constitutions;
5. the approval of the decisions of the inspectorial chapters (170C);
6. the creation of inspectorate conferences (155 C);
7. the appointment of a substitute for a member of the General Council, in case of death or
impediment (142 C);
8. the appointment of the secretary general (144 C);
9. the appointment of the attorney and the general promoter (145 C);
10. the appointment of inspectors, heads of visiting offices or other jurisdictions (158, 162
C);
11. the cessation of inspectors in their position, in accordance with Article 163 of the
Constitutions, and of the superiors of visitors and other jurisdictions (158C);
12. the alienation of movable or immovable property that is part of the stable assets of the
Congregation (188 C);

117
CIC, can. 609-612.
 13. the determination of the value limits within which the inspector has authority with
his Council for the operations mentioned in Article 188 of the Constitutions (189C);
14. the other cases provided for by universal law.

§2. El Rector Mayor debe tener el consentimiento de los consejeros presentes en la sede, reunidos en
a number no less than five, in the following cases:
dispensation from the temporary religious profession;
2. appointment of inspection advisors (167C);
3. granting of authorization for the financial operations listed in article 188 of the
Constitutions, except as provided in Article 132, §1,12.
§3 In cases of resignation of members, the Rector Major and his Council proceed collegially, according to the law.

§ 4. El Rector Mayor oirá también a su Consejo en las demás cosas importantes, y cuando lo crea
opportune.

133. The General Council is made up of the vicar and the counselors in charge of special sectors.
and by the regional counselors in charge of inspection groups.
The advisors in charge of special sectors are: the advisor for training, the advisor for the
youth pastoral, the advisor for social communication, the advisor for missions, and the treasurer
general.(R 107)

Vicar of the Rector Major

The vicar is the primary collaborator of the Rector Major in the governance of the Society and has authority.
ordinary vicar.
He acts as the absent or impeded Rector Major. He is entrusted, in particular, with the care of the
life and religious discipline.
He is tasked with energizing the Congregation in the sector of the Salesian Family. Keeping in mind the
Article 5 of the Constitutions promotes the communion of the various Groups, respecting their character.
specific and its autonomy. It also guides and assists the Inspectorates so that in their territory
develop, according to the respective statutes, the Association of Cooperators and the movement of the
Alumni.

Advisor for training

135. The training advisor promotes the comprehensive and ongoing training of the members.
He continues with a special request for initial training in its different stages, so that in them the
contents, the organization of the studies, the training methods, and the structures ensure the
conditions for the growth of the Salesian vocation.

Advisor for youth ministry

136. The counselor for youth pastoral encourages and guides the Salesian educational-apostolic action in its
various expressions, seeking to make the youth preference a reality in them and be inspired by the
preventive system. Assists the inspection areas in the development of their projects and pastoral commitments,
so that, faithful to the spirit of Don Bosco, they respond to the demands of the times and places.

Advisor for social communication

137. The Counselor for Social Communication is tasked with encouraging the Congregation in this.
sector.
It promotes Salesian action in the field of social communication and, in particular, coordinates throughout the
world the centers and structures that the Congregation directs in this field.

Advisor for missions

138. The counselor for missions promotes the missionary spirit and commitment throughout the Society.
Coordina las iniciativas y orienta la acción de las misiones, de modo que responda con estilo salesiano a las
urgencies of the towns that have yet to be evangelized.
It is also your responsibility to ensure the specific training and updating of the missionaries.
24)

General Economo
139. The general steward manages assets that do not belong to a specific inspection or house,
but to the whole Society.
Coordinates and controls the inspectorate administrations, so that their management responds to the
requirements of religious poverty and in service of the Salesian mission.
Ensure that the necessary rules for correct administration are observed. (R 192)

Regional counselors

140. The regional counselors promote a more direct union between the inspections and the Rector Major and
your Council. They guard the interests of the inspections that are entrusted to them. They facilitate, in the Council
Generally, the knowledge of the local situations in which our mission takes place. (R 135-137)

141. §1. The members of the General Council are elected by the General Chapter with a distinct vote for
each one of them. Each regional councilor is preferably elected from a list presented by the
chapters of the respective group of inspectorates.

§ 2. In order for a member to be elected as a member of the General Council, they must have at least
ten years of perpetual profession. For the vicar of the Rector Major, it is also required that he be
priest.(R 126-128)

142. The Vicar of the Rector Major, the Sector Councillors, and the Regional Councillors remain in the
they serve six years and can be elected only for a second consecutive term respectively in
the position of Vicar of the Rector Major, Sector Counselor, and Regional Counselor, except in the case
provided for by article 143 of the Constitutions.
If any member of the General Council dies or becomes permanently incapacitated, the Major Rector, with
with the consent of its Council, it will entrust the position, until the conclusion of the six-year term, to whoever it deems most
suitable in the Lord.

143. If the Major Rector dies or ceases in his function, the vicar takes charge, temporarily, of the governance of
the Society and, in accordance with the other members of the General Council, provides for calling the Chapter
General, to elect the Rector Major and the new Council.
The choice must be made no later than nine months from the death or cessation of
Rector Major in office. (R 111)

Secretary General

144. The Secretary General acts on behalf of the Rector Major and his Council with notarial functions. He intervenes in
the sessions of the Council without the right to vote, and keeps a record.
Es responsable de la secretaría general y del archivo central de la Sociedad. Lo nombra el Rector Mayor
with the consent of its Council, and remains in office at the discretion of the superior. (R 110)

Attorney General and General Promoter

145. The handling of matters with the Apostolic See is ordinarily entrusted to a procurator.
He is appointed by the Rector Major with the consent of his Council, and remains in office until
will of the superior.
The causes of beatification and canonization promoted by the Congregation are entrusted to the
general promoter, appointed in the same way as the prosecutor.

General Chapter

146. The General Chapter is the main sign of the unity of the Congregation within its diversity. It is the
fraternal meeting where the Salesians reflect together to remain faithful to the Gospel and to
charisma of the Founder, and sensitive to the needs of the times and places.
Through the General Chapter, the entire Society, allowing itself to be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, ...
strive to know at a certain moment in history the will of God, in order to serve better to the
Church118.

147. The General Chapter has supreme authority in the Society, and it exercises it in accordance with the
law.

118
CIC, can. 631.
 In particular, it is the responsibility of the General Chapter to legislate for the entire Society, to deal with the most important matters.
important and to elect the Rector Major and the members of the General Council.

148. The determinations of the General Chapter shall always be based on the approved Constitutions.
by the Apostolic See, and do not contain anything contrary to its spirit. They oblige all members, as soon as
be promulgated by the Rector Major.
However, to enact determinations that modify the Constitutions, it is required to
prior approval of the Apostolic See.

149. The General Chapter meets, as a rule, every six years, and in the case provided for by article 143.
from the Constitutions; by extraordinary means, when any serious reason requires it, recognized as such by the
Rector Major with the consent of his Council.

150. The General Chapter is convened by the Rector Major or, in the cases referred to in Article 143 of the

Constitutions, the vicar. It is presided over by the Rector Major or, in his absence, the Vicar.

123.125.134

151. They participate in the General Chapter with voting rights:

the Rector Major;
2. the emeritus rectors;
3. the members of the General Council, both those who are finishing and the new ones from the moment of
your choice;
4. the secretary general;
5. the attorney general;
6. the regulator of the General Chapter;
7. the inspectors, the superiors of visitations or, if they are severely incapacitated, their vicars with
prior approval of the Grand Rector;
8. the delegates, perpetual professors, elected as indicated in the General Regulations. (R
114.115.118

152. For the validity of the acts of the General Chapter, at least two-thirds must be present.
its members.
When dealing with the matters mentioned in Article 148 of the Constitutions, what has the force of law is
approve the absolute majority of those present.
For changes in the text of the Constitutions, a two-thirds majority is required.
presents.

153. In the election of the Rector Major and the members of the General Council, the one who obtains will be elected
the votes of the absolute majority of those present.
If the first count is ineffective, the second or third is held. If the third also results in...
ineffective, we proceed to make the fourth, in which only the two partners who were in the third will have passive voice
they have received more votes. If there is a tie in votes, the one with the longer profession is elected, and if
they professed at the same time, the eldest one.

Regional structures

154. To facilitate the relationships of the inspectories with the Rector Major and the General Council, and to promote
the relationship between the inspectorates, they come together in groups of inspectorates, entrusted to a counselor
regional.
The constitution of such groups of inspectors is the responsibility of the General Chapter. (R 135-138)

155. When the affinity and community of situations and problems suggest a greater union among some
Inspectorships can create one or more inspectorial conferences within the group.
It is the responsibility of the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, to establish the conferences.
inspectorial, after consulting the interested inspectorates. (R 139-142)

XII
SERVICE OF AUTHORITY IN THE INSPECTORIAL COMMUNITY
Take care of yourselves and of the flock that the Holy Spirit has entrusted to you to guard, as pastors of
the Church of God, which He purchased with the blood of His Son (Acts 20:28).

Legal jurisdictions

156. It is the responsibility of the Rector Major, with the consent of his Council and after proper consultation with the
interested brothers, divide the Society into legal districts, erect new ones, merge the existing ones
erected, delimit them differently, or suppress them.
Ordinarily, the jurisdictions of our Society are the inspectorates and the visiting boards.
For other possible legal jurisdictions, the internal structure and its representation in the Chapter
General will be determined in the decree of its erection, according to the spirit and Salesian tradition.

The inspection

157. La inspectoría une, en una comunidad más amplia, varias comunidades locales. Se erige
canonically when the necessary and sufficient conditions are met to promote, in a certain
legal jurisdiction, the life and mission of the Congregation, with the autonomy that corresponds to it according to the
Constitutions.
Mediante sus estructuras, fomenta los vínculos de comunión entre los socios y las comunidades
locales, and provides a specific service to the particular Church.

The Visitaduría

158. The Visitor's Office is akin to the inspection office. It is established when distance, number, or other factors...
circumstances require that some houses be separated from one or more inspections; but the scarcity of
Personal, economic means, or any other reason advise against the establishment of a new one.
inspection
The superior is appointed under the same modalities and conditions indicated for the inspector.
He remains in office for six years. He rules with ordinary vicarious authority, with the help of his Council.
143-149

Inspectorial delegations

159. Yes, in the context of an inspection, distance or other reasons prevent the inspector from attending.
rightly to some local communities that, although having some unity among themselves, lack, without
embargo, of the necessary requirements to be established in the visitor's office, the inspector, with the consent of
with his Council and the approval of the Rector Major, he can form a delegation.
His superior appoints him as inspector, with the consent of his Council and the approval of the Rector Major.
after timely consultation with the brothers of the delegation. Exercise the powers that the inspector deems necessary
convenient to delegate it.

Membership of partners to a constituency

160. The partner, due to the first religious profession, is assigned to the legal jurisdiction for which
service has requested to be admitted.
It may be assigned to another legal jurisdiction by definitive or temporary transfer made by the
competent authorities. (R 151.157)

The inspector

161. At the head of each inspection is an inspector. He performs his service in conjunction with the Rector.
Mayor, with charity and pastoral sense, in order to form a fraternal inspecting community.
With the help of your Council, you encourage the religious life and the apostolic activity of the community.
inspector; takes care of the formation of the members, especially the novices and young brothers; directs and
controls the management of the assets of the inspection and of each
one of the houses.

162. The inspector is appointed by the Rector Major with the consent of his Council, after extensive consultation.

consult the interested inspectorate.

He must be a priest and have at least ten years of perpetual profession.

 Tiene potestad ordinaria, en el fuero interno y externo, sobre todas las casas y socios de la inspectoría, a

tenor of the Constitutions and of the law.

He is the competent authority to grant partners permission to publish religious or content writings.
moral119and to preach to the brothers in their churches and oratories120.(R 143.149.152.153.160)

163. The inspector remains in office for six years. During this period, the Rector Major, with the
with the consent of its Council, it may change it to another place or assign it to another work, if it deems it necessary
for the good of the Congregation. After the six-year period, he usually leaves the position of inspector to
less for a year.

Inspectorial council

164. The Council assists the inspector in all matters related to the animation and governance of the inspection.
It is convened and presided over by the inspector. It is made up of the vicar, the economist, and, ordinarily, three or ...
five counselors. (R 155.159.160)

165. The inspector promotes the active and responsible collaboration of his advisors.
In matters of great importance, always listen to your Council.
It is necessary for the inspector to have the consent of their Council in the following cases:
1. the admission to the novitiate, to the profession, to the ministries, and to the sacred orders (108 C);
2. the appointment of a director, or their eventual transfer (177 C);
3. the appointment of the novice master (112C);
4. the creation of inspection delegations and the appointment of delegates (159 C);
5. the request for authorization, to the Rector Major and his Council, to open and close houses, modify the
purpose of existing works and undertake extraordinary works (132C);
6. the convocation of the extraordinary inspectorial chapter (172C);
7. the economic operations mentioned in Article 188 of the Constitutions;
8. the determination of the activity sectors of the communities that must be represented
in the local councils (180C);
9. the modification of the ordinary structures and positions within the Community (182C);
10. the authorization for the brothers to live in a situation of absence from the religious house (CIC, can.
665, §1).(R 156-158)

166. In order for a partner to be a member of the Inspectorial Council, it is required that they have at least five
years of perpetual professorship and is no longer in initial formation.
For the inspector's vicar, it is also required that he be a priest.

167. The inspecting counselors are appointed by the Rector Major, with the consent of his
Advice at the proposal of the inspector, after extensive consultation with the brothers of the inspection.
They remain in office for three years and can be confirmed in it, or also exonerated during the
triennium.

The vicar is the primary collaborator of the inspector, in everything that refers to the ordinary governance of the
inspectorate and in the matters that have been entrusted to it specifically.
Acts as the inspector when he is absent or incapacitated.
If the inspector dies, the vicar takes charge of the entire government of the inspectorate and exercises it until
unless the Major Rector decides otherwise.

It is the responsibility of the inspectorate's economist to manage the assets of the inspectorate, as well as to control the
economy of each house, according to the inspector and according to the established rules. (R 193-196)

Inspectorial Chapter

170. The inspectorial chapter is the fraternal meeting where local communities reinforce their sense of
belonging to the inspectorial community, through the common request for general problems.
It is, furthermore, the representative assembly of the brothers and the local communities.

119
CIC. can. 832.
120
CIC, can. 765
 Make decisions regarding the inspection, except for the competence that the
Constitutions and the General Regulations assign to other governing bodies.
The determinations of the inspectorial chapter shall have binding force when approved by the Rector.
Mayor with the consent of his Council, except as provided in article 171.5 of the Constitutions.

171. Compete to the inspectorate chapter:

1. establish as far as the proper functioning of the inspectorate is concerned;
2. find the appropriate means to promote the religious and pastoral life of the community
inspectorial
3. study and review the specific actions of the decisions of the General Chapter;
4. create and review the inspection directory, within the scope of the competencies assigned to that level;
5. choose one or two delegates for the General Chapter and their alternates, as indicated in the
General regulations. (R 167.190)

172. Ordinarily, the inspectorial chapter will be convened by the inspector every three years, and whenever
the General Chapter is convened; extraordinarily, when the inspector, with the consent of his
Advice and after consulting the Rector Major, he considers it appropriate for the good of the inspection.

173. In the inspectorial chapter, those with voting rights intervene:

the inspector, who presides;
2. the inspector counselors;
3. the superior of each inspection delegation;
4. the inspector chapter regulator;
5. the director of every house erected canonically or, if he is seriously impeded, his vicar,
pending inspector approval;
6. the novice master;
7. the delegates from local communities and from the inspectorial community, elected among the
perpetual professors as established by the General Regulations. (R 161.165.168)

174. In the election of delegates from local communities and the inspectorate community, participants include
all the perpetual and temporary professors. (R 165)

XIII
SERVICE OF THE AUTHORITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Let everyone put at the service of others the grace they have received, as good stewards of
the diverse gifts of God. Whoever serves, let them do so by the power received from God, so that
God be glorified in everything, through Jesus Christ (1Pet 4:10-11).

The local community

175. The local community is made up of brothers who live in a legitimately erected house,
they live together in unity of spirit under the authority of the superior121and they work
responsibly for the apostolic mission.

The director

176. The superior of each community is called the director.

He is the primary responsible for religious life, apostolic activities, and the administration of the
goods.
Con la colaboración de su Consejo, anima y gobierna la comunidad a tenor de las Constituciones y los
General regulations. (R 29.172-179.199)

177. The director must be a priest and have at least five years of perpetual profession. He appoints him.
the inspector with the consent of his Council and the approval of the Rector Major, taking into account the
indications obtained in a timely consultation made to the brothers of the Inspectorate.
His mandate is three years, and he can be confirmed for the second three-year term in the same community.
During the period of his service, he may be assigned to another job if the inspector deems it necessary.
consent of its Council.(R 170.171)

121
CIC, can. 608.
Local council

178. In every local community, there should be a Council, made up of brothers with perpetual vows who are not already
in initial training, in proportion to the demands of the activities and the number of siblings.
It is the function of this Council to collaborate in the animation and governance with the director, who
calls and presides. (R 180)

179. They are members of the Council:

the vicar and the economist;
2. the brothers responsible for the main sectors of activity of the community, according to the
Article 180 of the Constitutions;
one or more brothers chosen annually by the Assembly of brothers, when they are
numerous, according to articles 180 and 186 of the Constitutions. (R 183)

It is the inspector's responsibility, with the consent of their Council and after hearing the opinion of the community.
locally, determine the sectors of activity of the community that must be represented in the Council.
It will also determine whether the Assembly of brothers should elect counselors and their number. (R 183)

181. The director must have the approval of their Council for:
1. approve the annual program of the life and activities of the community; said program is
will be subject to the inspector's confirmation;
2. propose to the inspector new experiences and substantial changes in the direction of the work;
3. approve the budget and the balance of the community and the projects that depend on our
responsibility
4. carry out the economic operations provided for in Article 188 of the Constitutions;
5. determine the ordinary frequency of the meetings of the same Council;
In other important matters, the director always listens to his Council. (R 180)

182. When the circumstances suggest some exception, the inspector, with the consent of his
Advice and having heard the opinion of the interested local community, it may be modified, except always the figure of the
director, the ordinary structures and the functions within the community, especially when the brothers
we are not few.

183. The vicar is the director's primary collaborator. He acts in matters for which he has received authority.
special assignment and, if the director is absent or unable, in all matters concerning ordinary governance. In
consequence, must be a priest.
If the director dies, the vicar takes charge of the management of the house and exercises it until the inspector
prove in another way.(R 182)

184. The steward is the immediate responsible for the administration of the temporal goods of the house.
religious, under the dependence of the director with their Council. They perform their service with a spirit of charity and
poverty. (R 198-202)

185. The figure and functions of those responsible for the main sectors of activity in the community
They will be established by the inspectorate chapter.

Brotherhood Assembly

186. The Assembly of brothers brings together all the Salesians of the local community. It is convened and presided over by the
director for the consultative examination of the main issues concerning life and activities of the
community.
It also includes choosing the delegate for the inspectorial chapter and their substitute, as well as electing,
when it is necessary, to the members of the local Council, in accordance with Article 180 of the
Constitutions. (R 173.184)

XIV
ADMINISTRATION OF TEMPORARY ASSETS
Be content with what you have, for God himself said: I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not forget
to do good and to help each other; these are the sacrifices that please God (Heb 13:5, 16).
The Salesian Society has the capacity to acquire, possess, manage, and dispose of assets.
temporaries. This applies to the Congregation, to each inspectorate, and to each house. Such records should not be kept.
assets in the name of an individual, and they should be kept only to the extent that they are directly useful to
our works.
It is necessary to exclude the acquisition and conservation of real estate for the sole purpose of profit, as well as
any other permanent form of fruitful capitalization, except as provided in article 188 of the
Constitutions. (R 187)

188. Authorization from the Rector Major with the consent of his Council is required for:
1. acquire, transfer, exchange, mortgage, and lease real estate;
2. take out loans with or without a mortgage;
3. accept inheritances, legacies, or donations for a consideration; those that are accepted without burdens, are
sufficient to communicate it;
4. to establish lifetime pensions, scholarships, legacies for masses, private foundations or entities of
charity;
5. build new buildings, demolish existing ones or make significant transformations to them.
To request such authorization, when it comes to operations of an inspection or house, it is necessary that the
interested governing bodies submit the appropriate documentation, which will be accompanied by the opinion
from the inspector and his Council, and also from the director and his Council when it concerns a house.

189. For all the operations indicated in article 188 of the Constitutions, it is the responsibility of the Rector.
Mayor, with the consent of his Council and after hearing from the inspectors with their respective
Advice, and taking into account the corresponding decisions of the Apostolic See, to determine the
value limits within which the inspector has competence with the consent of his Council,
to authorize them with a similar procedure.
When it comes to operations that exceed the amount established by the Apostolic See, or of
votive donations and objects of precious value for their historical or artistic significance are also required, the license
from the same Apostolic See122.

190. All temporal goods are managed, respectively, by the general steward, the
inspectorial economists or local economists, under the direction and control of their corresponding
superiors and Councils, in accordance with the canonical provisions, in accordance with the Constitutions and the
General regulations and complying with current laws
from each country.(R 30.190.192.202)

122
CIC, can. 638,3.
CONCLUSION

I run along the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free (Psalm 118:32).

The law proper to our Society

19l. The life and actions of the communities and the brothers are governed by the universal law of the Church and
by the rightful claim of our Society.
The latter is formulated in the Constitutions - which are our fundamental code - in the
General regulations, in the decisions of the General Chapter, in the general directories and
inspectorial and in other determinations of the competent authorities.

Meaning and interpretation of the Constitutions

192. These Constitutions contain the spiritual riches of the Salesian tradition.
Don Bosco and define the apostolic project of our Society.
The Church, by approving them, guarantees the evangelical authenticity of the path outlined by the Founder, and
recognizes in him a special good for all the People of God123.
Only the Apostolic See is its authentic interpreter; however, for practical guidance of the
Society and the good of the brothers can be interpreted, in addition to the General Chapter, by the Rector Major.
with his Council.

Obligation of the Constitutions

193. The Constitutions oblige every member by virtue of the commitments freely entered into, before the
Church, for the religious profession.
The higher authorities, remaining in effect what universal law provides124, they can dispense
temporarily of certain disciplinary articles.

Separation of the Society

194. If a partner believes, in good conscience, that they must withdraw from the Society, they will do so in the presence of God and
after consulting with prudent people, comforted by the understanding and charity of the
brothers.
However, it can only leave the Society at the end of the time of temporary profession or if it is not
admitted to the following, or if he is legitimately released from the votes and obligations contracted in the
same profession, for admission to another institution, for exemption or resignation, in accordance with universal law125.
(R 54)

Fidelity and perseverance

195. Faithfulness to the commitment made in the religious profession is a response, constantly.
renewed, the special alliance that the Lord has sealed with us.
Our perseverance is fully supported by the faithfulness of God, who loved us first, and
feeds with the grace of its consecration. It is also sustained by our love for young people, to whom
we are sent, and it is expressed in gratitude to the Lord for the gifts that the Salesian life offers us.

A path that leads to Love

196. Our living rule is Jesus Christ, the Savior announced in the Gospel, who today lives in the Church and
in the world, and to whom we discover present in Don Bosco, who devoted his life to young people.
In response to the Lord Jesus' preference, who has called us by our own name, and
guided by Mary, we embrace the Constitutions as the testament of Don Bosco, a book of life for
we and a pledge of hope for the small and the poor.
We meditate on them in faith, and we commit to practice them: they are for us, disciples of the Lord,
a path that leads to Love.

123
RD 14; PC 1
124
CIC can. 85-87; 90; 92; 93; 1245.
125
CIC can. 685; 688,2; 689; 691-704.