New Rochelle  16 Jan - Fr Esteban Ortiz announced this evening the
appointment of Fr JAMES HEUSER as next provincial of the USA-East province,
effective 1 July 2003.

Jim Heuser has served as vice-provincial since 1997, while simultaneously
holding positions of leadership in initial formation, first as director of
post-novices in South Orange/Orange (New Jersey), and then as master of
novices in New York City.

In a statement released to the Salesian houses by the Very Rev. Patrick
Angelucci, provincial of New Rochelle, Fr Angelucci describes his vicar and
successor as: "a man truly blessed with so many gifts of the Holy Spirit:
deep Salesian sensitivities and a strong commitment to Don Bosco,
intelligent, perceptive, forthright, clear-thinking, honest and courageous -
a true leader."

Fr Angelucci, in his official communiqué to the USA-East province, assures
the Salesians that he "will work even more closely with Father Jim in all the
decisions that have to be made for the life and mission of the province, and
that this transition in administrations will be smooth."

Congratulations to Fr Jim Heuser, and to the Salesians of New Rochelle!