(ANS - Rome) - The discernment process for the election of the Rector Major and tenth Successor of Don Bosco, and the General Council, began this morning, Monday 24 March. It is crucial at this stage to create a climate of silence, prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit, which is why the day is marked by recollection, interrupted only by times of liturgical prayer.

The day began with Mass in the Chapel of the Generalate. Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major, presided and the homily was given by Fr Adriano Bregolin, his Vicar. This was followed by a period of free time for the individual recitation of Morning Prayer.

Then, at 9.15 a.m. ( GMT +2), the Chapter met in the Aula Magna of the Salesianum to begin work. As at the opening of the 27th General Chapter, the Holy Spirit was invoked with the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus. Then Fr Chávez gave a brief introduction, which was followed by the election of Secretaries and Scrutineers. The secretaries chosen for the elections were Fr Igino Biffi and Fr Francesco Marcoccio. The scrutineers are Fr Innocent Bizimana, Fr Honesto Geronimo and Fr Alphonse Vu.

Father José Cristo Rey García Paredes who is a Claretian, then took over to lead the phase of discernment.

In the afternoon there will be a straw vote for the election of the Rector Major, and in the evening Vespers will be celebrated, followed by the last Goodnight by Fr Chavez as Rector Major.

Published 24/03/2014