Final Week of GC29

Final Week and Conclusion of the General Chapter

The new general council
after Sunday Mass in the Basilica of MHC
(Fr. Gabriel is in the back row, far left.)

(ANS – Turin – April 6, 2025) – The general chapter, taking place at Valdocco, Turin, has entered its final week. After almost 50 days of intense work, the chapter members are preparing for the conclusion of this significant moment of discernment and sharing. The final days represent a fundamental opportunity to reflect on the experience lived, consolidate the decisions made, and return to their respective provinces, taking with them the fruits of the work carried out.

This final week will take place in 2 distinct locations: the 1st part will be held at Valdocco (Turin) until Wednesday; the 2d part will take place in Rome, where the chapter members will move on Thursday to spend the last days of the chapter. The coordinating committee has carefully organized the program, which includes moments of prayer, assessment, and preparation for returning to their own realities.

Sunday, April 6: Celebration with the Rector Major

Sunday, April 6, was marked by a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the rector major at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. This moment of prayer and thanksgiving marked the beginning of the concluding week of the general chapter, thanking the faithful and the Salesian Family of the basilica of Mary Help of Christians for their closeness and prayers, and inviting the chapter members to live the last days of this important journey of discernment with a spirit of joy and hope.

Monday, April 7: Evaluation of the Chapter Experience

The day is entirely dedicated to the personal and community evaluation of the chapter. It will involve reflecting on the current experience, but also with the aim of improving and living better the future processes.

The day will begin with morning prayers and Mass in regional groups, and at 9:00 a.m. in the assembly, it will continue with a biblical reflection led by Fr. Eunan, the provincial of Ireland, who will offer spiritual insights to enter the spirit of evaluation. Subsequently, the chapter members will be invited to reflect on some key questions:

What aspects of the chapter were the most challenging or demanding? What moments brought the greatest energy and hope? How can each one return to their province as a bearer of renewal and passion?

The methodology of listening in the Spirit, followed throughout the chapter, will add depth to this evaluation, fostering mutual listening and sincere dialogue. In the afternoon, the reflections gathered will be synthesized, concluding the day with the Good Nite from the new general councilor for formation, Fr. Silvio Roggia.

After dinner, the first African film about Don Bosco, Oratory, will be screened in the theater at 8:15 p.m. for the chapter members. This film, produced by Fr. Cyril Odia, a chapter member, will also feature some actors present for this special moment.

Tuesday, April 8: Final Votes and Reflections from the Regions

Tuesday, the last day of chapter work, will be dedicated to 2 key moments.

The morning will be marked by the final votes, including the vote on Deliberation No. 35, regarding an important issue that emerged and was shared during the work and required further discussion, and the definitive approval of the chapter text, with the introduction already presented last Friday.

In the afternoon, the chapter members will work in regional groups to answer some essential questions:

What are we taking home from the chapter? How can the fruits of this experience be lived at the regional level? What testimony and pedagogy can be used to communicate the values and decisions of the chapter? What suggestions can we offer to the rector major for his service of animation in the next 6 years?

Indeed, Article 19 of the chapter’s regulations requires that “before the conclusion of the general chapter, each region, coordinated by the regional councilor, will meet to evaluate the situation of the region and identify some operational guidelines concerning it, to be presented to the rector major and his council for the new six-year project. The regions may also offer suggestions on other parts of the six-year project if necessary.”

The day will conclude with practical instructions on travel and the return of personal tablets, which will be reset for private use.

Coadjutor brothers at the chapter
(Bro. Travis Gunther is in the front row, far left.)

Wednesday, April 9: Preparations and Celebration with Cardinal Fernandez

Wednesday will be dedicated to preparations for the transfer to Rome. The chapter members will have free time to organize their luggage and get ready for the journey.

At 6:30 p.m., a common celebration of Mass is scheduled, presided over by the rector major emeritus, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime. The cardinal, who has spiritually accompanied the chapter from a distance with his prayers and discreet support, will lead this moment of thanksgiving to the Lord and will have the opportunity to greet the chapter members he convened in September 2023. The celebration, streamed online, will also be an opportunity for chapter members to bid each other fraternal farewells before the conclusion of the chapter.

Thursday, April 10: Transfer to Rome

The day will be dedicated to the transfer to Rome, which will take place in 2 groups, with 2 trains departing at 7:50 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. The luggage will be sent to Rome and the residences in Rome by a dedicated vehicle, while the confreres will be accompanied to Porta Susa Station by bus. Arrival in Rome is expected by lunchtime.

Friday, April 11: Pilgrimage to the Vatican

The day will be dedicated to a pilgrimage to the Vatican, starting with Mass at 9:00 a.m. at the altar of the Chair of St. Peter, followed by the passage through the Holy Door. The celebration will be presided over by the new rector major, together with the members of the general chapter.

This spiritual moment will be an opportunity to give thanks for the journey made and to entrust to the Lord the fruits of the chapter. The rest of the day will be free, offering confreres the chance to visit the Jubilee sites and all the places associated with Don Bosco in Rome.

Saturday, April 12: Conclusion of the General Chapter

The chapter will officially conclude with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 a.m. at the basilica of the Sacred Heart, the rector major presiding. At the end of the Mass, there will be closing speeches and the official conclusion of the general chapter by the moderator.

A Chapter of Hope and Renewal

This final week represents a precious moment to consolidate the work done and renew the commitment to the future of the Congregation. The general chapter has offered confreres the opportunity to reflect deeply on the Salesian mission, confront the challenges of the present, and outline the priorities for the coming years.

The passion, dedication, and spirit of communion with which the chapter members have lived this important event are a tangible sign of the desire to discern, discuss, and make courageous decisions, so that the Congregation can respond with hope and boldness to the challenges of the time.