“We shared many reflections in an atmosphere that is always very fraternal,” said the Rector Major during his address.

As usual, the program of activities envisaged a part of ordinary work typical of each session of the General Council, relating to the administration of appointments and works, and a part dedicated to topics of specific interest. Thus, the following were appointed:

- 21 Provincial Councilors;

- 30 Rectors;

- 2 Novice Masters;

And the following opened:

- 5 canonical houses

- 1 non-canonical.

As for specific topics, the Rector Major thanked the Regional Councilors, Fr Michael Biju, for South Asia, and Fr Hugo Orozco, for Interamerica, who illustrated the current status of their respective Salesian Regions to the Council. Their reports were carefully listened to and analyzed by the Rector Major and the other Council members, who also offered their suggestions in view of the definitive study of these documents at the plenary meeting of the General Council scheduled for next June.

Another topic dealt with concerned a study, commissioned by the Rector Major and his Vicar, Fr Stefano Martoglio, on an authentic "novelty": a digital Salesian Bulletin - different from the web versions of the Bulletins in the languages currently in existence - which would serve to give "charismatic visibility to the Congregation and the Salesian Family", also featuring articles which, "as Don Bosco wanted", give an account of "the good being done in the world". The proposal elaborated by the person in charge, Fr Andrei Muntueanu, foresees a bulletin made available in 5-6 languages among those most spoken in the Congregation, in which reflections on youth ministry and in-depth studies on Salesian pedagogy would also be included.

Finally, a last topic of discussion concerned the procedures for carrying out the Group Visits scheduled for next year, also in light of the very satisfactory results of the Spiritual Exercises the Rector Major is conducting this year with the Provincial Councils of the various Salesian regions. In this regard, after the appointments already made, Fr Á.F. Artime confirmed those still in the program: soon in East Asia-Oceania, then in South Asia, and, in November, in Turin-Valdocco, with the Provincial Councils of Central and Northern Europe.

The one that has just ended is the last session of the General Council to be held in the Salesian Headquarters until the renovation of the "Sacred Heart" complex is completed. The next sessions will take place at the Salesian Mother House in Turin-Valdocco.

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