(ANS - Rome) - The traditional meeting of the General Councils of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was held yesterday afternoon, 19 June, at the Mother House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. They normally meet twice a year to for an informal sharing of experiences and initiatives. This was the first such meeting for the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.

As usual at this time of the year, both Councils are currently engaged in planning activities.  For some years now this work has begun with a joint meeting which has proved useful as a way of getting to know each other, building communion and exchanging experiences.

The meeting opened with a greeting from Fr  Fernandez Artime to  the Mother General, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, and her councillors. The central theme of the reflections came from the General Chapters: GC27, just ended, for the Salesians, and GC23 of the FMA, which will begin in September.  The conclusions of the Chapter of the Salesians  were presented and the Working Document for the Chapter of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians,  with a particular focus on "Challenges and Prospects" presented by Fr Natale Vitali, Councillor for America Southern Cone, and Sr Chiara Cazzuola,  Visiting Councillor and Moderator of the forthcoming Chapter.

Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major, and Sr. Piera Cavaglià, Secretary General, then reported on the major events to be held during the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco that will involve their congregations. Then, after Evening Prayer and the Good Night of the Rector Major, the meeting ended with a friendly meal together.

Published 20/06/2014