(ANS – Rome) – Work has begun in the summer plenary session of the General Council of the Salesian Congregation, the last “plenum” to be chaired by Card. Ángel Fernández Artime  – Rector Major In the seven weeks of work, between now and 26 July, there will be numerous work sessions to accompany the ordinary leadership and government of the entire Congregation, as well as to prepare for some important milestones in the near future, such as the conclusion of the mandate of Card. Á.F. Artime as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the next General Chapter, the 29th of the Congregation (GC29).

The following matters are scheduled during this summer session:

– the accompaniment of 8 recently appointed Provincials or Superiors of Vice-Provinces  during the orientation course dedicated to them;

– the appointment of six new Superiors (Paraguay – PAR; South Korea – KOR; Colombia-Medellín – COM; Central Italy – ICC; India-Dimapur – IND; Africa Great Lakes – AGL);

– the sharing of reports on 19 Extraordinary Visitations (Argentina South – ARS; Vietnam – VIA; Timor-Leste– ITM; Italy-Lombard-Emiliana – ILE; Venezuela – VEN; Croatia – CRO; Italy-Central District – ICC; United States-West – SUA; Poland-Wrocław – PLO; Pontifical Salesian University – UPS; Central Africa – AFC; Africa Great Lakes– AGL; South Korea – KOR; India-New Delhi – INN; Poland-Warsaw – ple; Spain-Saint James the Greater – SSM; India-Chennai – INM; South-West Africa – AOS; Central America – CAM);

– the study of Team Visits to the East Asia-Oceania, Africa-Madagascar and UPS Regions, for which the Rector Major’s Letter will be incorporated into the final letter of the Extraordinary Visitation.

The General Councillor for Formation, Fr Ivo Coelho will present his conclusions on the revision of the Ratio Fundamentalis, with a view to approval; while the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio, will present the conclusion of the work on the subject of the “Directory of the General Council” and the possible proposals of the Council for the Regulations for GC29.

And the other Sector Councillors will also illustrate the fundamental steps taken over recent months in their respective areas.

As per tradition, moreover, the distribution of support for missions and the destination of new missionaries will also be discussed; and the discussion of economic issues will be addressed.

There will also be traditional moments of spirituality and sharing, which on this occasion include, in addition to the traditional Feast of Gratitude to the Rector Major on 24 June, also some days of Retreat in Subiaco.