Formation Workshop for New Provincials

Formation Workshop for New Provincials 

(ANS – Rome – June 18, 2021) – On June 19 the latest workshop for recently appointed provincials will conclude. It’s the second that has taken place with the new general council, elected by the 28th General Chapter in the late winter of 2020, both of which have come after the Covid pandemic. Starting from June 6, seven provincials have been sharing their days with the Rector Major and his main collaborators, learning about the program and guidelines of the Congregation. Each of the seven also had the opportunity to present his own circumscription to the general council.

The vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, coordinated the course. The participants are:

• Fr. José Pastor Ramírez, provincial of the Antilles;
• Fr. Giovanni D'Andrea, provincial of Sicily;
• Fr. Sigfried Kettner, provincial of Austria;
• Fr. Leonardo Mancini, superior of Piedmont/Val d’Aosta;
• Fr. Melchor Trinidad, provincial of United States West (4th from the right in the photo;
• Fr. Mychajlo Czaban, superior of Ukraine vice province;
• Fr. Peter Timko, provincial of Slovakia.

Compared to the course organized last March for new provincials, this version has seen a small increase in participation. Despite the numerous travel difficulties of this period, seven provincials managed to reach Rome; there were only six last time. There has also been an increase in its geographical composition: no longer only provincials from EU countries, but also from the non-Schengen European area, and from North America.

The crux of the provincials’ group work continues to be the legal elements relevant to the exercise of government, the characteristics of animation, and the fundamental references for religious identity and discipline remain. Moreover, the individual sharing of the objectives and projects with the Rector Major and of the departmental councilors, favor the adoption of a broader perspective on the realities of the Congregation and nourish the climate of fraternity.

The decline of Covid-19 infections in Italy allows this session’s participants to enjoy some outings to a few places in Rome which have great importance, with due precautions. On the morning of June 18 the provincials visited and know about the Salesian Pontifical University, its large and modern library, and the Salesian research facilities based at the university: the  Salesian Historical Institute and the Salesian History Association. The afternoon had a spiritual flavor as they experienced a moment of pilgrimage, prayer, and meditation at the Catacombs of St. Callistus.

In light of this process of gradual return to normality, in September the formation and accompaniment courses offered by the Rector Major and his council to the provincials who have reached the mid-term of their mandate, will resume in Turin.