Salesian Collaborators

As years go by there is a greater understanding and appreciation of the involvement and collaboration with the non-professed secular members of the civil society, when it comes to the Salesian apostolate.  

I purposely did not use the word 'lay people' because the usual meaning of the word 'lay' refers to someone who is not competent in a field of knowledge or learning.  But in the Salesian dictionary it refers to all those other than the professed Salesians.  Nonetheless, in our recent discussion it was proposed that the english word that comes closest to the true intended meaning would be 'collaborators'.  

In a sense, clericalism still is a major challenge that prevents us from truly embracing the collaborators and opening our hearts and minds to see the richness and efficiency they have to offer us with regard to our apostolate.  As Fr Koshy stated, clericalism was a block that prevented us from accepting the Salesian Brothers as real brothers then, and now is still a stumbling block when it comes to understanding and working with the collaborators. 

Nonetheless, one thing that struck me was the notion that, unlike yesteryear, there is a rather general consensus that collaboration is a must.  But what still is being debated is the methodology of collaboration; rather than collaboration itself.  I see the point that some make, perhaps more as an excuse than an honest reason: collaboration is with people who are like-minded; with those who have imbibed the charism and spirit of Don Bosco.  That's the best form of collaborators.  Not merely having highly qualified skilled employees!  

Of course, we can always split hairs to say that how would someone know and love Don Bosco unless we start associating with them, even if it is as employees.  But the point is that being like Don Bosco, passionate about the wellbeing of the young, is enough reason for us to join hands and hearts!