General Chapter 27 of the Salesians of Don Bosco was officially declared open by the
Moderator Rev. Francesco Cerda at 1.04 pm on Monday 3rd March in the presence of a number of
cardinals, bishops and representatives of the Salesian Family.
The Chapter is being held at the World Head Quarters of the Salesians, popularly known as the Generalate, at 1111 via della Pisana, Rome.
The opening day commenced with the Mass of the Holy Spirit
presided over by the Rector Major, don Pascual Chaves Villaneuva.
The opening session began at 10.30 am. After the invocation
of the Holy Spirit and the reading and enthronement of the Gospel the Rector Major made his opening remarks. He
highlighted the dynamics that have been operating on a global level in the Salesian congregation in the last six year period.
In his message to the Chapter Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated
life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who took the centre seat on the dais, flanked by the Rector Major and the Moderator, focused on communion and fraternity in Community – its relevance and importance today.
Salesian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Chamberlain of the Holy Roman See,
spoke on behalf of all the Salesian Bishops and Cardinals.
Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of
Christians thanked the Salesians for all the spiritual help offered to
her sisters and expressed her congregation’s special affection for Fr. Pascual
Chaves.
Signora Noemi Olga Bertola, World Coordinator for the Salesian
Cooperators and Signora Olga Krizova spokesperson for the Salesian Family
could not deliver their messages, even though present in the Aula Magna for the
purpose, as time ran out! The talks by the four previous speakers had taken three hours and it was time for lunch.
The Moderator then officially declared the Chapter open. It
was 1.04 pm.
The opening day concluded with a wonderful musical concert by the Pentaphon, an internationally famous brass ensemble.
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