Messages of good wishes to the chapter could be sent to: sdbinc@vsnl.com

By C. M. Paul

CALCUTTA, 3^rd February – The Salesian province of Calcutta starts its provincial chapter 5^th February opening the season of Salesian India provincial chapters in the 21^st century. (Chennai province starts their chapter on 6^th February). The 59-member Calcutta chapter begins with a full day recollection and concludes on 11^th Feb after the Jubilees of Salesians in the province. This year marks the 75^th year of the erection of Calcutta as the first Indian Salesian province, which has grown into nine provinces and two delegations. The chapter members will elect two delegates to the General Chapter scheduled for 2002.

For the first time six delegates from the Myanmar delegation are attending the provincial chapter.

Fr. Thomas Pulickal of the historical Marian Shrine at Bandel will moderate the chapter, which has its theme: The Salesian Community Today. Besides, discussion on a study entitled The Laity’s Perception of the Salesian Community commissioned by the Chapter Preparatory Commission; the chapter will also verify the structures of Congregation’s Central Government.

" What does the province expect from the Regional Councillor and Extraordinary Visitation," is one of the questions that will dominate chapter discussions, said Fr. Robin Gomes of Nitika, venue of the chapter. He received the maximum number of votes among the ten delegates of the province. He pointed out the role of the Regional Councillor in the co-ordination of the various provinces and evolving the identity of Salesian India.

Another bold proposal is for the election of the provincial by the chapter members as is the case with the rector major and the General Council through direct voting. The working paper culled from the proposals by the communities and confreres further suggests that if the above "proposal is too radical, provincial chapter could elect three or four candidates and forward their names to the general council for their consideration."

If a consensus candidate is not possible, a third proposal says, "Rectors and senior confreres could propose two or three candidates for the service of the Provincial from whom the Rector Major could appoint one.

NEW DEPARTMENTS proposed to be set up to promote collaboration with other religious congregation; evaluate the work for young at risk; and co-ordination of national level formation houses thus saving money and personnel resources.