Italy – "A Beautiful Experience from Every Point of View": the mid-term Meeting of Provincials concluded

29 October 2021

(ANS – Turin) – There was general satisfaction among the Salesian Provincials who took part in the mid-term review meeting, from 19 to 28 October, with the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, and his Vicar, Fr Stefano Martoglio, in palces significant to Salesians. On the final day Thursday (yesterday), gathered at Valdocco, the Provincials gave their impressions of their experience, suggestions of Fr Á.F. Artime and Fr Martoglio, and shared a moment of Salesian spirituality and fraternity by concelebrating the Eucharist in the church of St Francis de Sales.

In a brief period, just 10 days, the 12 Provincials present, from Europe, Asia, Africa and America, however, had many opportunities. They got to see together with the Rector Major the journey made by the congregation so far and the degree of adherence to the guidelines and perspectives indicated by the Congregation. They also have a time to present to Fr Á.F. Artime, the challenges and local realities with which their provinces are confronted daily and had  a time to recharge in Salesian spirituality, deepening the charism in the places "where everything was born".

Fr Jose Kochamkunnel, Provincial of India-Chennai (INM), commented: "I am very happy with this meeting, from every point of view. It was a great experience to meet the Rettor Maggiore and his Vicar, and see again so many of the Provincials after the General Chapter. Valdocco and the Salesian Places have a magical effect, and they still revive within me a strong spirit of Salesianity and relive this charism of our Congregation in an intense way. In my conversation with the Rector Major I experienced great closeness, fatherliness and involvement in the journey of our province. The enthusiasm and encouragement give me a strong recharge and I feel very happy about it. I also thank Fr Stefano Martoglio who has been with us every day, with great fraternity and simplicity".

Simon Asira Lipuku, Provincial of East Africa (AFE), added: "I thank the Rector Major for having thought of this beautiful experience. They were really rich and intense moments, in listening to the needs of all our Provincials. The Rector Major and his Vicar have always been close to us, in all our visits and pilgrimages. They encouraged us to spread this Salesian culture. In Valdocco every stone speaks, in a very effective way, and for me being here again is a special grace. And I would like to point out that the welcome and love that received, has been excellent ".

Fr Carlo Lira, Provincial of Chile (CIL), concluded: "We had a good experience among a group of Provincials who have already completed three years of service. The most precious thing for me was to be able to stop and look at my life experience. As to how I am living my life as a Salesian, my service as a Provincial, and how I am able to relate myself with my confreres. The sharing here was very positive indeed and I would have liked to have had even more time for mutual sharing. The fact that the Rector Major and his Vicar took the time to be with us, not only for formal talks, but also to share daily life, to have moments of brotherhood, are the elements that I greatly appreciate. And even the chosen place, Valdocco, speaks for itself! Everything has invited us to continue to project our vocation and mission at the service of the poorest young people".

Returning to their respective locations, all the Provincials take with them the richness and beauty of this event.

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