The idea proposed by most people so far was that the Salesian Brothers should have something more specific and special, suitable to their distinctive vocational choice. I too was thinking, what is it that we can offer, specifically to the brothers.
Today’s discussion in the Brothers group, there was a point made by Bosco (INS) which really struck a deep cord in me. He asked, “Why should the brothers be given something special? And if at all we give them something special, it should be given to ALL, clerics included! So those aspects and matters that Brothers would need additional should be offered to everyone, including the clerics.”
The analogy that came to my mind is that of instructions and guidelines offered to the girl child in the family. Most often the girls are taught how to sit, how to move, what not to do in public, and a million other things! Why teach only girls this? Because they have to be careful of the boys! So why not teach the same matters to the girls, but not alone; let these instructions and guidelines be offered to her brothers as well! So that tomorrow, he will be conscious of what the girls are going through! Now, that’s a more sensible and right approach to gender equality and response to male chauvinism.
So too with the Brothers. If they are to be ‘shielded’ from clericalism, teach them along with the clerics, so that EVERYONE learns what’s right, good and true.
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