(ANS – Rome) – After a day of sharing and reflections, today, 1st June, sees the beginning of work by the General Council for the Summer Plenary Session.
The Councillors, most of whom returned on the evening of 30 May, spent a day with the Rector Major and his Vicar at the Postnovitiate House, San Tarcisio, sharing in prayer and through the experiences of the past few months as they carried out Extraordinary Visitations and other activities. The occasion was given happy impetus by the Salesian postnovices who helped lead the Eucharistic liturgy at the end of the day.
The General Council`s agenda includes:
- Appointing provincials/superiors for East Africa (AFE), Central Africa (AFC), Australia (AUL), Southern Italy (IME) and the Vice-province of Madagascar (MDG).
- Presentation and study of reports from the Extraordinary Visitations to Belgium North and Holland (BEN), Brazil Sao Paulo (BSP), Seville, Spain (SSE), Croatia (CRO), Venezuela (VEN), Vietnam (VIE), Central Italy (ICC), and the Vice-provinces of Madagascar (MDG), Angola (ANG) and Southern Africa (AFM).
- Study of a number of topics: evaluation at halfway mark in the six year period, the Salesian Family Charter of Identity, the central governing structure of the Congregation, Don Bosco International, the future shape of the Special Circumscription of Eastern Europe (EST) and preparation for coming Team Visits.
- As usual, during this General Council session the formation course for recently appointed provincials will take place, from 11 - 24 June: 10 people in all. This course will conclude with the Rector Major`s Feast day planned for 24 June, Don Bosco`s traditional name day celebration. There will be a meeting with the Salesian Sisters` General Council at Castelgandolfo on 7 July.
- Presentation of final balance (budget) and distribution of solidarity funds for the mission.
Halfway through this period, from 26 June until 2 July, the General Council`s work will be interrupted so the Rector Major and his councillors can make a Retreat preached by Fr Andrew Bozzolo, head of the Theology Faculty at the UPS, Turin campus.
Amongst the first of the tasks the Council is called to do is the study and approval of the theme for the Recor Major`s 2012 Strenna.
Published 01/06/2011
