3836(II)_Discovering the spirituality of the Salesian provincial

By Our Own Correspondent

Rome, Italy, December 13, 2015 - Every six months the Rector Major calls a group of the recently appointed provincials to his house for two weeks long 'new provincial course'. It does mean that all 85 Provincials of the Salesian Congregation have this chance (usually) one year after the start of their service to their respective provincial community. At the 6th December started the formation course for new Salesian Provincial and there are three new provincials from EAO, Fr. Mario Yamanouchi of GIA, Fr. Charles Saw of MYM, Fr. Virgilio Da Siva of ITM. The course will end on December 19.

What do the new EAO provincials learn during these days?

• Daily joint Rosary prayer of the three EAO provincials after dinner
• Sharing with the other 6 colleagues-provincials from other continents.
• Praying - eating - chatting - sharing with the 16 General council members during whole day.
• Daily class shared by the General Councilors for Formation - Youth Ministry - Social communication - Missions - Economy and the Central services: Salesian Family - Postulation (Saints) - Secretary + Juridical office.
• At the end of the first week was a recollection day (spirituality of the provincial) with confessions and final Eucharist presided by the Rector Major.

This ordinary community experience (from the chapel to the refectory wine services) is invaluable part of this course.

Some other outdoor activities?

Apart of the daily ordinary program (classroom, chapel, personal talk), there are some special events like twice an afternoon basketball games or walk around the house. For some of the provincials also a special session with the Salesian Mission NGO or Mission Office Directors (VIS, Bonn, New Rochelle, Madrid, Australia...) visit to their confreres - students (UPS) or other SF members studying in Rome.

During this course (December 2015) a especial highlight was the starting celebration of the Mercy Year in the Vatican and the pilgrimage to the St. Peter's Basilica. Some of the EAO provincials also took the opportunity to visit their former - retired (Italian) missionaries in their home place, or accepted the invitation of some Salesian Family group headquarters like Caritas Sisters of Jesus (20 minutes driving distance from La Pisana)

Probably the main fruits

Daily sharing, (longer) personal talks with the Rector Major, his Vicar and other General Councilors are probably the most personal and deepest opportunity to be accompanied during next 5 years with a reasonably deeper knowledge about the province and its dynamics. Clarifying doubts, getting wider vision about the Congregation and the Salesian Charism are the side effects of this two week experience. Deepening the awareness of the same Salesian Charism lived in many different cultures is a daily bonus of the personal or group sharing.