New Provincial Course - June 2018
By Fr. William Matthews, SDB
Provincial of Australia-Pacific
RMG, 15 June 2018 -- A group of nine newly appointed provincials from across Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Australia-Pacific gathered at the temporary head office of the Salesian Society at Sacro Cuore, near the Termini train station in Rome from 10th to 24th July. It is generally known as the “New Provincials’ Course” organized by the Rector Major every six months.
The Sacro Cuore is a place where Don Bosco spent a substantial amount of his final stages in life to build a Basilica in honour of the Sacred Heart as requested by Pope Leo XIII. It is a blessed moment for the new provincials to spend some time in this historical place of the Salesians of Don Bosco. A small 'Don Bosco Museum' shows also the 22 visits of Don Bosco to Rome during his life time and the background of the 'Letter from Rome (1884) dreamt and written in this house!
The new provincials celebrate Eucharists, pray and share meals together with the Rector Major and the complete Salesian General Council during this time. Furthermore, the General Councillors from the main sectors such as Youth Ministry, Missions, Social Communications, Economy and Formation present the main charismatic dynamics to the new provincials.
Some practical guidelines on day-to-day running of the province and animation of Salesians and their works are explained to them to ease the burden of their administrations by the Secretary General, Procurator General and the Vicar of the Rector Major.
There have also been opportunities to have personal talks with various sectors of the Salesian Congregation particularly the Rector Major, and to seek help from other experts at the Generalate.
The new provincial course will conclude the day before the feast of the Rector Major, 24th June of St. John the Baptist, where all Salesians in the province of Rome will gather around their leader for an honour and celebration.
Please remember the 9 new provincials in your prayer that they may be strengthened by the grace of God to do the important tasks laid upon them!
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