Fr Philippe Bauzière, Provincial of Brazil-Manaus (BMA); Fr Roberto Dal Molin, Provincial of Lombard-Emiliana Italy (ILE); Fr Alexandre Luis De Oliveira, Provincial of Brazil-Saint Paul (BSP); Fr Peter Kim-Huy Hoang, Provincial of Australia-Pacific (AUL); Fr Francisco Lezema, Provincial of Uruguay (URU); Fr Nelson Javier Moreno Ruiz, Provincial of Chile (CIL); Fr Aurélien Mukangwa, Superior of the Africa-Congo Congo (ACC) Vice-Province; and Fr Victor Luís Sequeira Gutiérrez, Superior of the Angola (ANG) Vice-Province, had the opportunity from 10 to 21 June to have several moments of dialogue and discussion with the Rector Major and his Council, receiving valuable ideas from them for their mission.
In the busy programme of work of these days, with several daily sessions, the Provincials learned about and gained further understanding of the relevant legal elements of their service, the characteristics of the task of animation and governance of the Province, the foundations of religious identity and discipline, as well as the work that takes place at central level in the different Sectors at Salesian Headquarters.
Finally, they also had the opportunity to visit and get to know in depth other relevant Church or Salesian places located in Rome: the Vatican Apostolic Library, with Fr Mauro Mantovani, SDB, Prefect of the same institution as an exceptional guide; the facilities of the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS) and the Salesian History Association (ACSSA) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS); the catacombs of San Callisto; and the Salesian General Postulation at the Salesian community in Via della Bufalotta.
The formation experience was very much appreciated by the various participants, and some of them also wanted to directly indicate this to ANS. "I have been really enriched by this process. I was really happy to be able to meet the Rector Major and the members of the General Council, to get their directions and guidance. These conversations with them are certainly among the precious luggage that I take back on the journey home," said Fr Alexandre Luis De Oliveira, Provincial of Sao Paolo Brazil (BSP).
Fr Peter Kim-Huy Hoang, Provincial of Australia-Pacific (AUL) noted that “These have been truly memorable days! I was able to learn about many relevant and significant aspects of my service, fundamental issues for the task of animation and governance within the Congregation and in the relationship with the laity. For me, these have been days that I will not forget.”
Fr Aurélien Mukangwa, Superior of the Africa-Congo Congo (ACC) Vice-Province, said: "What I liked most during this formation meeting for the new Provincials was the great fraternity and closeness of the Rector Major and his Councillors. This introduction to the service, with the highlights of the animation and governance of the Province, has shed so much light on how we should plan, and accompany the confreres. In addition, it also made me understand the important role that the Provincial has in the growth of the Salesian mission, in the Province and in the lives of the confreres."
After the official activities scheduled, before leaving for their destinations, the 8 Salesian Superiors remained a few more days in Rome to take part in the Feast of Thanksgiving for the Rector Major 2024, which is celebrated on the evening of Monday,24 June.
The next Course for Salesian Superiors newly appointed will also take place in Rome from 8 to 20 December 2024, and will be the last one before the 29th General Chapter.
