While the Holy Spirit is acknowledged as the principal guide of GC29, as repeatedly emphasized by Moderator Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, its visible expression will be reflected in the collective action of the 227 capitulars—those with voting rights who represent the entire Congregation. Among them are 14 General Councilors, the Procurator General, and an Emeritus Rector Major, all contributing their experience and vision for the future.
The majority of the Capitulars are representatives of the Salesian Circumscriptions (Provinces and Vice-Provinces), who will be gathered at the Salesian Motherhouse in Turin. They are divided into regions as follows:
- Africa-Madagascar: 32 delegates
- America Southern Cone: 22 delegates
- East Asia-Oceania: 27 delegates
- South Asia: 33 delegates
- Central-North Europe: 36 delegates
- Interamerica: 27 delegates
- Mediterranean: 29 delegates
Additionally, there are 2 representatives from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and 3 religious members from the General House in Rome (RMG).
Organizational and Logistical Support
An event of this magnitude requires a solid support structure behind the scenes. To ensure smooth communication and provide necessary organizational assistance for participants of various nationalities, the following resources have been allocated:
- 11 interpreters and 7 translators will facilitate communication in the five official languages of the Congregation: Italian, French, Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
- 10 logistics staff in Valdocco and 3 at the Central Headquarters in Rome will manage facilities and hospitality.
- 3 IT experts will ensure the smooth functioning of digital systems, which are essential for voting and interactive activities among the capitulars.
Technology & Digital Integration
To effectively share information, two dedicated web portals will be available:
- A portal for materials and organizational management
- A portal for digital interactions among the capitulars
Every participant will also receive a tablet, configured to provide real-time access to content and voting procedures.
To document and disseminate key moments of the assembly, a team of 6 communication experts, with the support of the Salesian News Agency (ANS), will be actively involved.
Schedule & Structure of the Chapter
The official working days of the Chapter—whether in assembly, commissions, or small groups—will amount to 36 days, with morning and afternoon sessions in most cases.
Additionally, the schedule includes:
- 8 days of prayer and spiritual reflection (at the beginning of GC29, before the election week, and during the final jubilee)
- 6 days dedicated to the election of the Rector Major and the other members of the General Council.
- 5 Sundays dedicated to cultural visits to Salesian historical sites in Piedmont and Liguria.
A Well-Structured Event for Communion & Renewal
With a highly qualified organizational structure and the collaboration of so many individuals, GC29 is set to be a well-structured event, marked by a shared commitment to working with the Salesian spirit in attentive listening to the Holy Spirit. In short, an experience of communion and renewal for the entire Congregation.
