The morning began with the Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. It was presided over by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
At 10.30 am, the Chapter Assembly met in the Teatro Grande inside Valdocco and began work with prayer and singing of the Veni Creator Spiritus and the prayer to Don Bosco proclaimed in multiple languages.
Fr Stefano Vanoli, Regulator, coordinates the work of the Assembly and, alongside Chapter members, were many Salesian guests, including Cardinals Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga, Tarcisio Bertone, Ricardo Ezzati, and a number of Bishops.
After attending Mass, Mrs. Chiara Appendino, Mayor of Turin, sent a greeting address presented at the Assembly.
The Bishop of Turin, Monsignor Cesare Nosiglia, who will be present on 29 February, also sent a message.
Speaking, representing the groups of the Salesian Family, were Mother Yvonne Reungoat Superior General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and Mr. Renato Valera, President of the "primary" Association of Mary Help of Christians.
Cardinal João Braz de Aviz again took the floor; in addition to his greeting address, he made explicit in his own words the ecclesial context in which a general chapter acts.
Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, Superior General, gave the opening speech.
Then Fr. Stefano Vanoli, Regulator, finally declared the work of the General Chapter 28 formally and officially open.
The morning's work ended with the song Sub tuum praesidium.
