austraLasia

Five days in the house of the Rector Major

CIN, 20 July 2018 -- According the already established policy on close accompaniment of all Provincial Superiors, also Fr Joseph NG, new provincial of China, was called to meet the Rector Major and his councilors in the first weeks of his ministry as other provincials from 8 provinces across Europe, America and Asia.

Five days lived at the General House community were dedicated mainly to the personal encounter with Fr. Angel Artime, his Vicar Fr. Francesco Cereda and the five sector General Councilors - Formation, Youth Ministry, Missions, Social Communications and Economy.

Praying together, sharing together the meals of the general council including other new provincials - it's a good opportunity to start with wider vision and connecting to the world wide Salesian community. Sometimes the non formal times of meal table sharing are the most insightful - like the topics about 'Chocolats in China' (= about huge numbers of African migrants now present in Taiwan and many Chinese megacities).

At the end also the new provincial of China received from the Rector Major 12 points 'Road Map 2024' in order to keep his service of government and animation in the right direction: Prioritiy of Formation and Youth Ministry, Special attention fo the Vocation culture, discernment and accompaniment, Focus on Shared Mission with Lay as Mission Parnters. The last point spells: 'I remind the Provincial and his Council, that the first key point in the service we entrust to you is to ensure the Identity of Don Bosco's Charism in the Province and Communion with the Rector Major and his Council."

On departure Fr. Ng shares his feeling: "At Sacro Cuore I really feel at home and support from the Rector Major and from all General Councilors." Six year journey of accompaniment has started; next year in June Fr. Joseph is among the 10 provincials scheduled to participate in 'Sacro Cuore' for their two weeks 'new provincial course'.