On March 13 the Salesians announced that our 28th General Chapter, meeting in Turin since Feb. 16, would conclude prematurely on March 14. It had been scheduled to run until April 4.
A press release stated simply: "In consideration of the current situation in Italy and in compliance with current regulations, the 28th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, has decided to conclude activities on Saturday March 14. The Rector Major with his new general council will find ways to ensure that all planned topics and deliberations can be addressed later."
The "current situation," of course refers to the corona virus pandemic that has struck Italy very hard, and the restrictions that the Italian government has put on public gatherings.
The elections of the Rector Major (preceding post) and the rest of the general council were anticipated to this week. The vicar of the Rector Major and the departmental general councilors were elected on Thursday, and the regional councilors on Friday.
Fr. Stefano Martoglio, who had been regional councilor for the Mediterranean countries, was elected vicar. Besides him, the only holdovers from the old general council are Fr. Ivo Coelho, responsible for formation, and Bro. Jean Paul Muller, the treasurer general.
The councilors for youth ministry (Fr. Miguel Angel Garcia), communications (Fr. Gildasio dos Santos), and the missions (Fr. Alfred Maravilla) and all seven regional councilors are new to the council.
No comments:
Post a Comment