By Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB

Batulao, Philippines, 9 March 2016 - Few hours ago (3 AM early morning) Fr. Angel left the Don Bosco Retreat House of Batulao for the last leg of his second visit in the EAO for the FIS province (Philippines South - Cebu).

Rector Major paved the way to the next three days talks and sharing with the three General Councilors (Fr. Fabio - Youth Ministry, Fr. Filiberto - Social Communication, Fr. Guillermo - Missions).

All participants were deeply touched by the strongly positive, pro-positive way of Rector Majors talking about the essential dynamics of Salesian Life and Mission. It was a wonderful opportunity for strengthening our provincials.

The Rector Major has chosen to deepen and motivate about the seven points of his Conclusion Talk of the General Chapter 27 (study of the GC27 intuitions, primacy of God, fraternity, evangelization - education, preferential option for the poor young people, involvement of the lay people and missionary animation).

Listening and sharing in a very open way was deepen also with the five topics of government and animation by each EAO provincial (Process of PC 2016 about reshaping of our mission, Delegations animation, Involvement of the Lay Mission Partners in provincial structures, effectiveness of ongoing formation and cultural challenges to the religious life).

The provincials are strengthen in faith and provided with many valuable insight for the growth of Salesian vocation and mission. In a very open way the 'hot topics' of our provinces were shared in small groups as well with the Rector Major. We shared also many cultural challenges to our Salesian life and especially to the provincial animation and governance: seniority, lack of participatory leadership, listening - rendiconto and spiritual direction.

The emerging topic of 2016 EAO provincial meeting is an 'involvement and formation of our Lay Mission Partners, it was probably the most frequent inspiration of the Rector Major for our Region. Due to our traditional, vertical and clerical cultures also in some provinces the Salesians still struggle to work hand in hand with the lay people.

The EAO provincials are provided every day by the minutes (taken by the Delegation superiors), all inputs and photos are shared in the digital store of the EAO (Boscolink) and the hosting province (FIN social communication) takes a wonderful care about the media coverage and photos.

During the meeting the Rector Major also shared his plan for visiting before the GC28 (2020) all other 7 EAO provinces (AUL, THA, FIN and FIS already visited) with the specific dates. Few Provincials and Delegates took chance also for a personal talk about specific issues.

Thanks, Fr. Angel - for your open, energizing and inspiring sharing during past two days!

---

---