(ANS – Italy)– On 17-18 August the team responsible for the liturgy during GC27 met at the Generalate with the Moderator, Fr Francis Cereda. The team consists of the coordinator, Fr Cristian Besso, together with Fr Stefano Vanoli and Fr Antonino Zingale. When the Chapter begins, this team will be joined by other members of the Chapter Assembly.

The team identified some criteria for liturgical animation, including some functions for the whole Chapter Assembly, others for the different language groups and others divided according to region.  The calendar for the Eucharistic Celebrations was drawn up. The task of leading the liturgy was shared between the different regions, and the calendar for good nights and lectio divina was also agreed upon. All this will be submitted to the Rector Major and his Council for revision if necessary.

Attention was given also to the preparation needed for some particular events that will take place at the beginning of the Chapter. These include the pilgrimage to the Salesian places, the retreat, and the opening day of GC27. Some consideration was given also to the week of discernment for the election of the Rector Major and the General Council.

Finally some texts were prepared for particular occasions such as: the community celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Retreat, in conjunction with Fr Juan José Bartolomé who will lead the Retreat; the prayer to invoke the Holy Spirit on the day of the official opening of GC27; a collection of prayers for the beginning of the work of the assembly and the various commissions; a collection of prayers and reflections for the week of discernment; a revised collection of hymns.

Published 30/08/2013