The program for the week includes intense study and discussions, divided between plenary sessions and commission work. Below is the detailed schedule of the days.
Monday, March 17, 2025
The day will begin with administrative activities, including the approval of minutes and reports from the morning session. Following this, the commissions will continue their work using the method of “listening to the Spirit,” finalizing reflections on the topics under discussion. Contributions prepared in the working groups will be shared with the commissions, which will be synthesized for the assembly.
At 6:00 PM, the Moderator, the President, and 32 Chapter members will meet for a session dedicated to defining the division of the new African region, which has already been approved. The objective will be to determine the most effective configuration to ensure an efficient structure while fostering collaboration between the two regions on shared projects, such as DBTech (technical and vocational training), SAFCAM (ongoing formation), and formation houses.
The materials produced during the day will be archived in the Chapter folder so that participants can review them in preparation for the presentations the following day.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
In the Chapter assembly, the materials prepared will be presented, with the aim of making the content clear and accessible. This will be followed by a discussion on the second nucleus of the Chapter document.
In the afternoon, the African Salesians will present a cartographic proposal for the division of the two new regions, which will then be examined by the commissions.
The day will conclude with a moment of prayer in the Basilica, in preparation for the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
In the morning, the assembly will examine an advanced draft of the first nucleus of the Chapter document. Subsequently, the commissions will have dedicated time to analyze the text and formulate any proposed modifications.
In the afternoon, the assembly will discuss and respond to the contributions of the commissions on two main themes:
- The motion introduced in the previous days.
- The proposal for the division of the current African region.
The conclusions of this day will prepare the work for the following day’s votes.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The day will focus on:
- Voting: The assembly will vote on the final version of the first nucleus, the division of the African regions, and the motion under discussion.
- Work on the Third Nucleus: Work will begin on some sections of the third nucleus, with particular attention to five topics: Inter-provincial organizations; Extraordinary visits;Evaluations and Proposals related to extraordinary visits;Organization and animation of the provinces; the duration of government mandates in relation to provincial experience.
Friday, March 21, 2025
Work will continue with the discussion of the first draft of the second nucleus and a deeper focus on the themes of the third nucleus. The commissions will focus on two main tasks:
- Delving deeper into the second nucleus and preparing interventions.
- Drafting written proposals for the five topics of the third nucleus.
In the afternoon, the six commissions will present their observations on the second nucleus and their proposals related to the third nucleus to the assembly.
As it is the penultimate day of the week, methodological guidelines for the electoral process scheduled for the following week will be provided, in accordance with Chapter regulations.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The day will begin with morning prayer (Lectio Divina at 7:30 AM), followed by the approval of minutes and a presentation by Fr. Chávez on the fourth installment of the highly appreciated series: “Taking Stock”.
If available, a second draft of the second nucleus will be presented. The goal is to complete the first nucleus, finalize the second, and structure at least two-thirds of the third.
At the end of the day, all the necessary materials will be ready to facilitate deliberations in the final phases of the Chapter (April 1–9).
With the electoral process set to begin on Sunday, March 23, and guided by Fr. Amedeo Cencini, the Chapter will enter the discernment phase for the election of the new Rector Major and his Council.
