(ANS – Hyderabad) – The Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) met at the Salesian Provincial House of Hyderabad for its annual General Assembly and Provincial Conference Council Meeting, 24-27 February 2015. The meeting was preceded on 23 February by a day of hectic review and planning for the various regional commissions and Networks of the Salesian apostolate in South Asia.  

Fifteen Heads of Regional Commissions participated in the Networking meeting on 23 February, presided over by the Regional Councillor Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, and coordinated by the SPCSA Secretary Fr. Noel Maddhichetty, during which they presented their annual reports, projects and plans for the year 2015-16.

During the General Assembly on 24 February Fr. Maria Arokiam briefed the Provincials and the commission heads about certain concerns that the Rector Major and his Council have for the Congregation, such as concern about: the quality of religious life; the need to take seriously the radicalism of the gospel, keeping the poorest people in focus in our apostolate; vocations and the loss of a large number of younger confreres; greater financial and administrative transparency; strict adherence to animation as well as governance by the provincial Superiors; and missionary commitment.

Among other concerns he highlighted also the urgency of promoting lay collaboration in the Salesian services and ministries. He pointed out that “Lay collaboration is a top priority in the General Council”. Finally he called on the participants in the meeting to promote creativity and the taking up of non-traditional forms of apostolate as well, while not playing down the importance of Salesian spirituality.

During the assembly sessions, presentations were also made regarding the upcoming programmes for the concluding celebrations of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth. Fr. Jose Mathew, Provincial of New Delhi Province, presented the plans for the Youth Expo 2015 which will take place in New Delhi on 29-30 September 2015, a mega gathering of over 12,000 young people from all over India. It will be preceded by a multi-city Don Bosco international Film Festival on 8-9 August.

Fr. Nirmol Gomes, Provincial of Kolkata Province, presented the three-day national Salesian Family Congress scheduled for 25-27 September 2015 in Kolkata.

On 26-27 February the Conference was joined by Fr Ivo Coelho, Councillor General for Formation; Bro. Jean Paul Muller, Economer General; and Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major. They spoke, each in his respective field, about the main concerns of the Rector Major and the General Council, and their recommendations regarding the challenges of today.

Published 03/03/2015