Coordinated by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, and his secretary, Fr. Saimy Ezhanikatt, the course began on Wednesday evening, June 8, and lasts until next June 24. Its participants are:

–     Fr. Gregory Junior Bicomong, Superior of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Vice-Province (PGS);

–     Fr. Morachel Bonhomme, Superior of the Haiti Vice-Province (HAI);

–     Fr. Francisco Inácio Vieira Júnior, Provincial of Brazil-Recife (BRE);

–     Fr. Jésus Benoît Badji, Provincial of the new Province of North West Africa (AON);

–     Fr. Thomas Santiagu, Provincial of India-Hyderabad (INH);

–     Fr. Denis Soro, Provincial of the new Province of South West Africa (AOS);

–     Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, Provincial of the new Province of Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN);

–     Fr. James Briody, Provincial of Great Britain (GBR).

Their presence, so representative of the entire globe and of so many different Salesian realities, in a certain sense almost certifies the completion of the recovery path to normality after two years of the pandemic, considering that the Provincials participating in the first course in 2021 were 6 in number and all from European Provinces; in June, on the other hand, there were already 7, with the participation of Provincials also from the American continent; in October, still 7, but all from Africa (3), Latin America (3) and Asia (1); and last December as many as 16: 5 from South America, 2 from Africa-Madagascar and 9 from Asia.

After the very first meeting on Wednesday, April 8, which was necessary more than anything else for a first mutual acquaintance and for the introduction to the work, the program officially opened on Thursday, April 9, with the intervention of the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, who explained the Project Guidelines of this 6-year term to the Provincials, and who then, in the evening, led the group in a fraternal outing.

The activities shall continue exploring the traditional contents of this appointment: the relevant juridical elements in the ministry of the Provincial; the characteristics proper to the task of animation and government of the Province or Vice-Province; Salesian identity and religious discipline; the work and activities of the different Sectors of world animation - Salesian Formation, Youth Ministry, Social Communication, Missions, General Economer’s Office, Secretariat for the Salesian Family, General Postulation.

Other central elements are then times for the various Provincials and Superiors to talk with the Rector Major and members of his Council: useful times to learn from them the 6-year roadmap, share their concerns and challenges with the leadership of the Congregation, and experience Salesian communion.

There will also be no shortage of moments of spiritual, Salesian and human prompts or “recharging” through well-curated liturgies, visits to Salesian places, and cultural outings. Especially noteworthy, for example, will be the Provincials' participation in the evening pilgrimage next June 17 to Moncalieri to venerate a distinguished relic of St. Francis de Sales on the 400th anniversary of his birth to Heaven.

Before returning to their respective countries, the Provincials and Superiors shall have the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Thanksgiving to the Rector Major, June 24, in the evocative setting of Valdocco, where Don Bosco himself was celebrated by his boys.

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