(ANS – Rome) – The first Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials of the Salesian Congregation is currently taking place from April 19–25, 2026, at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome. This event represents a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the service of animation and governance in the various Provinces around the world.
The meeting brings together 16 Salesians from all eight Salesian Regions, fostering an atmosphere of international exchange and deeper reflection on the key dimensions of Salesian life and mission.
Origin and Purpose of the Initiative
This formation program for Vice Provincials originated from a request made during the 28th General Chapter (2020). However, due to the pandemic and the appointment of the then Rector Major, Ángel Fernández Artime, as a Cardinal, it was not possible to implement it at that time.
Now, the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, together with the General Council, has officially launched this formation path, adopting a model similar to the training course for Provincials.
The program focuses on core areas of formation inspired by the spirit of GC29 and the practical responsibilities of Vice Provincials, especially in relation to their ordinary duties. It is conducted in a more concise format, without the personal interviews with all General Councilors that are typical of the formation of Provincials.
To ensure the timely completion of the formation for Vice Provincials, two courses will be held each year—April and October—alongside the plenary sessions of the General Council. Each course will include two Vice Provincials from each Region of the Congregation, allowing for broader and richer exchange on the role of Provincial Vicars across different parts of the world.
Participants
The following Salesians are taking part in this first edition of the Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials:
– Fr. Agbangba Pidewa (West Africa South – AOS)
– Fr. James Ailen Oriafo (Nigeria-Niger – ANN)
– Fr. Péter Csány (Hungary – UNG)
– Fr. Randolph Figuracion (Philippines South – FIS)
– Fr. Raju Garlapati Kishore (India-Hyderabad – INH)
– Fr. Jorge Arley (Colombia-Medellín – COM)
– Fr. Lewis Malama (Zambia-Malawi-Zimbabwe – ZMB)
– Fr. Johannes Zeleke (Ethiopia-Eritrea – AET)
– Fr. Daniele Merlini (Central Italy – ICC)
– Fr. Mukhim Bivan Rodrigues (India-Guwahati – ING)
– Fr. José Luis Navarro Santotomás (Spain-Mary Help of Christians – SMX)
– Fr. Giuseppe Nguyen Kim Khanh (Vietnam – VIE)
– Fr. Alejo Ovelar Medina (Paraguay – PAR)
– Fr. Sedney Manja (Brazil-Belo Horizonte – BBH)
– Fr. Luis Fernando Velandia (Colombia-Bogotá – COB)
– Fr. Pierre Verger (France-Southern Belgium – FRB)
Program of Activities
The meeting opened on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with the arrival of participants and an introductory session led by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and his Vicar, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, who outlined the overall framework of the formation journey. This was followed by a shared spiritual moment: community Vespers and the traditional “Salesian Good Night” given by Fr. Francesco Marcoccio, Rector of the Salesian Headquarters.
From the outset, the program has emphasized a strong integration of spiritual moments, thematic reflection, and fraternal dialogue, including daily Eucharistic celebrations, Morning Prayer (Lauds), Vespers, and the traditional “Salesian Good Night.”
The formal sessions began on Monday, April 20, 2026, with thematic presentations led by members of the General Council in their respective areas of responsibility. The first day featured direct dialogue with the Rector Major, followed by an intervention from Fr. Martoglio and a session on Youth Ministry coordinated by Fr. Rafael Bejarano and his team.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the focus shifts to legal matters, with sessions led by Fr. Pierfausto Frisoli, Procurator General, and Fr. Guido Garino, Secretary of the General Council. These will be interspersed with moments of discussion and include a visit to the Don Bosco House Museum in Rome, offering a direct encounter with the Congregation’s charismatic roots.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, will highlight the missionary dimension, with contributions from Fr. Jorge Crisafulli and his team, alongside continued exploration of legal topics.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, will be dedicated to Formation, with sessions led by Fr. Silvio Roggia, and to the Salesian Family, with input from Fr. Joan Lluís Playà. These areas are particularly significant for Vice Provincials, who are called to support formation processes and foster communion among the various groups that share Don Bosco’s charism.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, attention will turn to economic and communication aspects, with contributions from the Economer General, Fr. Gabriel Stawowy, and Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain, Councilor for Social Communication. Their sessions will provide an integrated view of management challenges and communication dynamics in today’s context.
Each day also includes moments of community sharing, enabling participants to reflect together on the topics discussed and encouraging intercultural exchange among the different realities represented. This approach fosters a deeper sense of co-responsibility and belonging to the universal Congregation.
Conclusion of the Meeting
The meeting will conclude on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a comprehensive synthesis led by the Rector Major and his Vicar, followed by the final Eucharistic celebration and a fraternal farewell. The shared evaluation and reflection on the journey undertaken will be essential in translating the insights gained into practical guidelines for the future.
Overall, this Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials represents a privileged time of renewal, communion, and discernment, aimed at strengthening the service of governance and animation in the Provinces, in fidelity to the Salesian charism and in response to the challenges of the contemporary world.