The course, held at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome from December 9 to 21, was organized by Fr. Patrick Anthonyraj, Secretary to the Vicar of the Rector Major. Participants included:
- Fr Peter Končan, Superior of the Province of Slovenia (SLO);
- Fr Milan Ivančević, Superior of the Croatian Province (CRO);
- Fr Eric Cachia, Superior of the Malta Vice Province (MLT);
- Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Superior of the India-Guwahati Province (ING);
- Fr John Zosiama, Superior of the India-Shillong Province (INS);
- Fr Francis Atsushi Hamasaki, Provincial Superior of Japan (GIA);
- Fr Vincentius Prastowo, Superior of the Indonesian Vice Province (INA).
- Fr Simon Zakerian, Superior of the Middle East Province (MOR);
- Fr Teng Kok Domingos Leong, Superior of the 'Mary Help of Christians' Province based in Hong Kong (CIN);
- Fr Silvio Zanchetta, Superior of the Province of North-East Italy (INE);
- Fr Marcelo Baek, Superior of the South Korean Province (KOR);
- Fr Joseph Pampackal, Superior of the India-Dimapur Province (IND);
- Fr Roberto Colameo, Superior of the Central Italy Circumscription (CCI);
- Fr José Ariel Guerrero Castro, Superior of the Province of Colombia-Medellín (COM);
- Fr Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, Superior of the Africa Great Lakes Visitatory (AGL).
Following a well-established format, the course activities included several training sessions on the essential legal elements necessary for their mandate. These sessions were led by Fr. Pier Fausto Frisoli, Procurator General of the Salesian Congregation, and Fr. Guido Garino, Secretary of the General Council. Additionally, the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, along with various Sector Councillors, provided participants with crucial information and updates on the project lines for the upcoming sexennium. They also addressed topics such as the spirituality of the Provincial, religious identity, discipline, and other pertinent aspects related to the Congregation's specific areas of work.
With input from the Regional Councillors, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental dynamics and conditions of Salesian life across different geographical contexts.
As in previous editions, individual dialogues played a crucial role in the experience: each day, Provincials engaged in candid discussions with the Vicar of the Rector Major or a Sector Councillor to share programs, perspectives, challenges, and difficulties they face in their respective realities.
Another engaging aspect of the course was the knowledge visits to various operational bodies at the Salesian Headquarters and other key structures within the extensive Salesian network. Provincials gained insights into the aims, organization, work, and activities of the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, the General Postulation, the Salesian Pontifical University, the Association of Salesian History Scholars (ACSSA), and the Salesian Historical Institute.
Given the timing of the event, the course also provided an opportune opportunity for prayer and spiritual preparation for Christmas, highlighted by numerous moments of shared spirituality and fraternity, all characterized by the distinctive Salesian spirit.
