Fr. Hugo invited all the confreres of the province to his formal introduction to the visitation, presented from 3:40 to 4:20 p.m. in Salesian High School’s cafeteria. About 30 Salesians and the prenovices came from the five local communities: New Rochelle, Port Chester, Haverstraw, Ramsey, and Orange. The ten distant communities in Canada, New England, the Midwest, and the South and some individual confreres attended by Zoom.

Fr. Hugo said that he was happy to be carrying out this visitation, appointed by the Rector Major. He pointed out the time constraints of his visit; normally, it should take three months. But because the next general chapter has been moved up by a year, less than two months is allotted (October 1-November 23).

Fr. Hugo used a PowerPoint presentation as well as his own words. He introduced the members of the general council before explaining the purposes of the visitation: to foster in the province the spirit of GC28, the Salesian charism, the Salesian mission, and the spirit of communion with the rest of the Congregation; to update the general council’s knowledge of the province; and to follow up on the last visitation (2018).

Continuing, Fr. Hugo commented on our Salesian vocational identity with its focuses on God, the young, and community. He stated that ours is a confident, optimistic lifestyle in service to the young, like Don Bosco’s.

Fr. Hugo identifies three priorities for the visitation: meeting with and getting to know the confreres, meeting with the young, and meeting with the EPC of each work.

After a break, the confreres in New Rochelle prayed Evening Prayer together, then enjoyed a buffet supper.

by Fr. Mike Mendl, SDB

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