The path indicated
by sister Yvonne

For many years, Yvonne Reungoat has had the opportunity to observe the world and the Church from a unique and formidable position that of Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Sisters. While they, like almost all religious families, have experienced a decline in vocations, they still represent a significant presence in female religious life, with nearly 11,000 members in 97 countries across five continents. Being the Superior General of such a large organization, especially one with a charism focused on education, formation, and mission, requires a clear and grounded outlook about the future. The management of such a vast group, even just in terms of “human resources”, is comparable to leading a multinational corporation.

Thus, Strade di futuro [Paths of the Future] (Paoline Publishing) is, perhaps not by chance, the title of a volume curated by Sister Gianfranca Franceschin. The book brings together over 150 circular letters written by Yvonne Reungoat during her twelve-year (from 2008 to 2020) tenure as the ninth Superior General of the Salesians.

Born in 1945 in the small town of Plouénan in Brittany, France, the strong and jovial Yvonne Reungoat made her first vows at the age of twenty and then earned a degree in Literature-History-Geography in Lyon. With a background as a teacher of French language and literature, history and geography, and social sciences, and as a missionary in Africa, Mother Yvonne brings a wealth of experience and depth of vision, which is clearly reflected in her circulars.

The book not only chronicles the work of a spiritual leader immersed in her time but also serves as a valuable tool for future generations of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. These 150 circulars are not merely historical documents; they reflect a dynamic and passionate vision that can help rejuvenate both the Salesians and the Church.

Strade di futuro explores important themes such as the joy of evangelization, fidelity to the mission of Don Bosco and Mother Maria Mazzarello (the founder), the importance of living life as a testimony of faith and mercy, the issue of vocations, which are all expressed in a lively and immediate language. Sister Chiara Cazzuola, the current Superior General, in her introduction, also highlights this.

As often happens, what some might consider “small history” is in fact a great exercise in observation, which directly intersects with “Great History”. The seemingly small story of this nun includes her participation as an auditor at the Synod of Bishops in 2023, her role in Vatican meetings on child abuse in 2019, and her appointments to the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and the Dicastery for Bishops, which underscores her influence and ongoing commitment to the Church.

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