Melbourne, Australia, 22 May 2019 -- On 20-24 May, Delegates of the Province of Mary Help of Christians [Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand] gather at Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne to celebrate their 21st Provincial Chapter, in preparation for General Chapter 28 in 2020.
The Chapter began with an opening liturgy organized by Sr Rochelle Lamb FMA, then followed by Eucharist presided over by the Provincial, Fr Will Matthews. Focusing on Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit, the Provincial challenged Chapter delegates to be young at heart, and be game-changers in the life of the province, in the Congregation and the Church together with the young.
The oldest member of the Chapter being Fr James Adaiyadil from New Zealand and the youngest being Fr Tuia Afoa from Samoa.
The theme of the Chapter is ‘What kind of Salesians for the youth of today’ as convoked by the Rector Major, Fr Angel F. Artime.
The Chapter is moderated by Fr Bernie Graham and assisted by two women, Romina and Lauren, from Youth Ministry office as secretaries.
On 22nd and 23rd May, many lay collaborators and young people from four countries participated in the Chapter to examine the questions raised by the Rector Major as the priority of mission to the young, the profile of the Salesians, and working in partnership with lay people while forming them in Salesian charism.
The Provincial Chapter 21 concludes with solemn Mass in the evening on the feast of Mary Help of Christians, 24th May, during which Salesian jubilarians of the Province will be honoured. All Salesians are invited to this concluding Eucharist.
