(ANS - Rome) - The last session of the present General Council began on Tuesday, 3 December. The programme includes many topics which will be discussed by the members of the Council until January 28 next.

Among the most urgent tasks facing the Rector Major and his Council will be the appointment of as many as 12 Superiors:

• 3 for the America South Cone Region;
• 2 for the region of Northern Europe;
• 1 each for Africa-Madagascar, Southeast Asia, East Asia-Oceania, Interamerican and Italy-Middle East;
• 2 for the new provinces in Spain: "St. James the Great" and "Mary Help of Christians".

In addition they will examine the reports on the Extraordinary Visits carried out in the past few months by the Regional Councillors:

• Manaus, Fr Natale Vitali;
• Chennai, Fr Andrew Wong;
• Bangalore, Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga;
• Central Africa, Fr Guillermo Basañes;
• Central America, Fr Esteban Ortiz;
• Hungary and Slovenia, Fr Marek Chrzan;
• Italy North East, Fr Pier Fausto Frisoli.

Further topics for reflection include the structures of central government of the Congregation, economic management, preparation for the forthcoming 27th General Chapter, sharing the latest updates received.

As usual in the winter session, the members of the General Council will also have to decide on the distribution of funds for the missions and the drawing up of the budget for the coming year.

Published 12/05/2013