Among the topics addressed, there are some that respond to the requests of the 29th General Chapter, such as "Animation and care for the true life of every Salesian"; "Salesians, Salesian Family and laity together, ‘with’ and ‘for’ young people"; and "A courageous review and redesign of the governance of the Congregation at all levels". To these three core areas of reflection, two specific topics of the Province have been added: the "Reorganisation of the presence of the Province" and a "Reflection on Rest Homes".
Beyond the assembly work or the work in the Commissions, the afternoon of 2 April also included a moment of fraternity in which the Salesians in initial formation, invited to Provincial Chapter 24, shared their vocation story and their vision of Salesian life and mission. And during the Eucharist of the day, Fr Fabio Attard, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Extraordinary Visitation to the SSM Province, also shared a reflection on the experience of the Risen Lord.
The day ended with a closing address from the SSM Provincial, Fr Fernando García who, as President of the Chapter, thanked the participants for the work done, especially the work of the Moderator, Fr Javier Valiente. For the Provincial this experience "was a very important milestone in the life of the Province", as it is defining the presence and role of the Salesians in the future. He also praised the "generosity of the confreres" in this period of his service as Provincial Superior and invited the assembly to look at the challenges of the future without neglecting current circumstances. Finally, he urged everyone to "tell what happened here".
After the official closure of the work, the Chapter received a visit from the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who presided over the concluding Eucharist. In this celebration, the Cardinal underlined the Easter meaning of the feast and invited everyone to live the present in hope, avoiding the temptation of pessimism and "the lack of faith of believers". So he called for the creation of communities truly formed by "believers" in our day. And on the occasion, the Rector Major confessed that it is the first time in his ten years as Rector Major that he has presided over the closing of a Provincial Chapter.
Source: Salesianos.info
