(ANS – Rome) – The 4th Meeting of Provincials in Europe began in the early afternoon today, 30th November. Topics will be developed over these days that will help to take stock of the situation and to relaunch Project Europe, initiated by the Salesian Congregation in January 2009, in harmony with to the times and the journey of the Church.

Bringing together the Provincials who make up Project Europe in the old continent, has become a biennial event. The previous meeting took place exactly two years ago.

The work, which will conclude on Sunday, December 2nd , will also include the Rector Major and the members of the General Council who have returned in recent days from the four corners of the world.

There are four themes and working sessions which will see Europe's Provincials engaged in listening to reports, discussion and group work.

• The Rector Major will present a review of Project Europe, thanks to a questionnaire sent to the Provincials;
• On Saturday morning, Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promotion of New Evangelization, will present the theme: "New Evangelization for the transmission of the Christian faith in Europe";
• On Saturday afternoon Fr Vito Orlando will present his research, "Attention to migrants and the Salesian Mission in multicultural societies in Europe";
• On Sunday morning the Provincials in Europe will be invited to consider the future of Project Europe.

European Provincials previous meetings:

• 1st - 5th December, 2004: "Together for the young people of Europe";
• 27th - 30th November 30, 2008: definition of PE content desired by General Chapter 26;
• 26th - 28th November, 2010: evaluation of the first key principle, "Revitalization of the Salesian charism from within", and PE's opening to the Salesian Family and SYM.

Published 30/11/2012