The communities directly dependent on the Rector Major which are affected by the decree are: the Blessed Michael Rua community of the Generalate; the St Francis de Sales community in Vatican City; the two Salesian communities in Eritrea - the San Giovanni Bosco community in Asmara, and the San Giustino de Jacobis Community in Dekehare; and the San Callisto community in Rome.
These are communities for which, over the years and for different reasons, it was considered appropriate that they refer directly to the Rector Major.
Although these communities do not constitute a juridical jurisdiction, in order to guarantee them the proper service of a major Superior the Vicar of the Rector Major is therefore delegated to fulfil the tasks provided for by art. 161 of the Salesian Constitutions (on the role of the Provincial).
In exercising these functions Fr Cereda will be joined by the Economer General, Bro. Jean Paul Muller, and two General Councillors, appointed for three years - Fr Ivo Coelho, Councillor General for Formation, and Fr Guillermo Basañes, Councillor General for the Missions - as regards the performance of the tasks prescribed by art. 165 of the Constitution and Articles. 156 and 157 of the General Regulations (regarding the Provincial Council).
This Decree shall enter into force today, 1 December 2016, and is valid until further notice. The representation of these communities to the General Chapter will be defined in a subsequent decree.
