(ANS – Dili, April 2026) – The Salesian Vice Province of Timor-Leste successfully concluded its Provincial Assembly aimed at advancing the implementation of the directives of General Chapter 29. The assembly brought together key leaders and representatives to reflect on and adapt the Chapter’s priorities to the local mission. The first session of the assembly was held from April 13–15, 2026, gathering rectors of Salesian … Continue reading Salesian Vice Province Holds Provincial Assembly to Advance Implementation of General Chapter 29

(ANS – Naples) – The meeting of the Mediterranean Region took place on Sunday, April 26, and Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Salesian Institute in Naples. The gathering brought together the Superiors of the various Provinces of the Region, convened by the Councilor for the Mediterranean Region, Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, for a time of discussion, planning, and sharing of pastoral guidelines. The … Continue reading Meeting of the Superiors of the Provinces of the Mediterranean Region

(ANS – León) – José Manuel González Díez is the first Spanish Salesian Brother to become Rector of a Salesian community. This possibility has been open since this year, having been approved ‘ad experimentum’ for the next six years by the Salesian Congregation at its 29th General Chapter. José Manuel González Díez signed the decree of his appointment as Rector during the celebration that took place … Continue reading The First Spanish Salesian Brother to Become Rector of a Salesian Community

(ANS – Rome) – The first plenary meeting of the newly elected General Council, formed during the 29th General Chapter (GC29), is currently taking place at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome. This session not only serves to fulfill specific responsibilities of the General Council but is primarily aimed at fostering mutual understanding among members, laying the foundation, and outlining the roadmap for the work of … Continue reading First Plenary Session of the New General Council

(ANS – Vatican City) – Weeks of reflection, dialogue, and above all, personal and communal discernment in listening to the Holy Spirit culminated meaningfully on the morning of Friday, April 11, 2025. The Salesians participating in the 29th General Chapter gathered for a powerful moment of unity and faith: a Jubilee Mass at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided … Continue reading Jubilee Mass at St. Peter’s: Fr. Attard asks, “Do our young people perceive the spirit that gives meaning to our choice to follow Jesus?”

(ANS – Turin) – “Once decisions are made, we are called to accept them with faith and hope.” These were the words of Fr. Ivo Coelho, former General Councillor for Formation (2014-2025), during his homily at the Eucharistic celebration that opened the March 28 session of the 29th General Chapter in Turin. Throughout this week of prayer and spiritual dialogue, the attitude of those present … Continue reading GC29 Elections: A Journey Undertaken in “Docility” to the Holy Spirit

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation elected the following members to the Regional Council: Browse below for a brief introduction to each member: Fr. Alphonse Owoudou Appointed as the New Regional of Central & Northern Africa Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, from Cameroon, was elected as the first Regional Councillor for the newly created Central & Northern Africa Region. This … Continue reading GC29: Introducing Newly Elected Regional Councilors

(ANS – Turin) – The seventh week of the General Chapter begins in a spirit of discernment and intensity, marked by several key events. The work focuses on the presentation and voting of deliberations 18-27, the development of core 1 and 2, and an important emphasis on some current issues. The week also includes moments of spirituality, cultural activities, and fraternal sharing. Monday: Synoptic Work on … Continue reading Weekly Forecast of the General Chapter (March 31 – April 5)

(ANS – Turin) – This was a special moment, a formal but necessary ritual, a time of great joy and unity, but also a chance to give meaning and depth to the beginning of a new journey that the Congregation has started with this 29th General Chapter. It all happened on Tuesday, March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at the Grand Auditorium … Continue reading Fr. Attard’s Profession of Faith as the 11th Successor of Don Bosco

(ANS – Turin) – The 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales elected Fr. Stefano Martoglio as the Vicar of the Rector Major, confirming him in the role already entrusted to him by the previous Chapter. The election took place at 10:45 a.m., and a long and warm round of applause in the Teatro Grande of Valdocco welcomed the outcome of the vote. According to … Continue reading Fr. Stefano Martoglio Confirmed as Vicar of the Rector Major

(ANS – Turin) – The week ahead represents a crucial moment for the 29th General Chapter (GC29), during which the capitulars will elect the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, along with the Vicar General and the General Councilors. It is a decisive week for the future of the Salesian Congregation, to be lived in an atmosphere of intense prayer, reflection, and discernment. Accompanying the capitulars on … Continue reading A Week of Discernment and Elections: Toward the 11th Successor of Don Bosco and the General Councilors

(ANS – Turin) – The Solemnity of Saint Joseph was celebrated with particular intensity during the 29th General Chapter (GC29). The participants turned to the patron of the Congregation, seeking his guidance and intercession for the successful outcome of the ongoing assembly in Valdocco. At the beginning of the session, Fr. Stefano Martoglio reported on the decisions of the Central Commission, aimed at organizing the various … Continue reading GC29: Progress on Fraternal and Community Life Under the Protection of Saint Joseph

(ANS – Turin) – When numerous important reflections arise alongside the need to establish clear priorities, it can be helpful to pause and consider things from a different perspective. This was precisely the approach taken on Thursday, March 20, at the 29th General Chapter (GC29), where the Chapter members focused on refining the document that will summarize the key themes of Core Topic 1: Animation and Care … Continue reading GC29: Listening and Reflection to Identify Priorities in Salesian Animation and Life

(ANS – Turin) – On Thursday, March 13, the participants of the 29th General Chapter (CG29) were engaged in two fundamental tasks: listening and expression. On the one hand, they devoted patient attention to the reports of the six Commissions, which drafted a detailed text on the topics of Core Theme 1; on the other hand, they reviewed the progress made so far, allowing everyone to … Continue reading CG29: Listening, Expression, and Unified Vision for the Salesian Future

(ANS – Turin) – The work session of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) opened on March 12 with clarifications from the General Secretariat, which had to organize and synthesize 15 proposed resolutions concerning Core Theme 3. “All of them navigate the fine line between the desire for renewal and the prudence of continuity,” noted the Secretariat. It also sought to assign appropriate voting weights, depending on … Continue reading GC29: Discussions, Voting, and Resolutions to Bring Don Bosco’s Choices into the Present

(ANS – Turin) – This week at the 29th General Chapter will be marked by decisive moments of discussion, voting, and discernment, which will shape the future of the Salesian Congregation. The main topics on the agenda are: the Organization of Regions, the Organization of the General Council, and the Priesthood Requirement for Leadership Levels. Here is an overview of what is scheduled to happen in the … Continue reading Forecast of this Week at the General Chapter – March 10-15, 2025

(ANS – Turin) – Saturday, March 8, at the 29th General Chapter (CG29), marked a pivotal moment of transition, as the Chapter moved from analytical work to drafting recommendations for the future General Council regarding the governance of the Congregation. It was a significant day, during which the Chapter members immersed themselves in a blend of reflection, study, and voting simulations, all in preparation for the … Continue reading CG29: A Day of Transition Between Reflection and Preparation

(ANS – Turin) – “Knowledge for decision-making”—this has been the guiding principle of the first days of the 29th General Chapter (GC29), currently underway in Turin-Valdocco. As Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the Chapter’s President, explained, in order to engage meaningfully with the decisions that must be made, each participant needs a broad and detailed understanding of the Congregation as a whole. This process began with an in-depth … Continue reading GC29: Initial Reports on the State of the Congregation Presented

(ANS – Turin) – A full immersion in the synodal method is underway for the 225 Chapter members gathered in Turin, including Provincials and delegates from around the world, tasked with shaping the future of the Salesian Congregation for the next six years. At first glance, the structured schedule for the work of the Commissions might seem to limit the free expression of the GC29 participants. … Continue reading Chapter Members Working on the Three Core Themes of GC29

(ANS – Turin) – The participants of GC29 have chosen to begin each assembly meeting with a meditation. This was also the case on Thursday, March 6, when Fr. Eunan McDonnell was once again invited to lead the reflection. The meditation was anchored in the Word of God, specifically Romans 12:2: “Let yourselves be transformed by God with a complete renewal of your mind.” The … Continue reading GC29: A “Leap” from Salesian Life to the Governance and Animation of the Congregation

(ANS – Turin) – The 29th General Chapter (GC29) of the Salesians of Don Bosco, currently taking place in Turin-Valdocco, represents a crucial moment of discernment, collaboration, and commitment for Salesians worldwide. Over the past week, participants have analyzed the current state of the Congregation, reflected on challenges, and proposed concrete actions to shape the future of the Salesian mission, guided by the Holy Spirit. Reports, … Continue reading An Overview of the Second Week of the 29th General Chapter

(ANS – Turin) – Friday, February 28, 2025, marked the second consecutive day of the 29th General Chapter (GC29), during which the Chapter members played a decisive role in determining the themes to be addressed in the assembly. As repeatedly emphasized by the president, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the questions and considerations raised represent a valuable contribution to analyzing the current situation and defining the guidelines that … Continue reading GC 29 – Listening, Discussion, and Proposals for the Salesian Journey

(ANS – Turin) – On Friday morning, February 28, the 29th General Chapter (GC29) took a significant step forward in its “structuring” process. After a keynote speech by Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, who offered an “intentional” rather than chronological reflection on the first two weeks of the worldwide Salesian assembly, a structured working method was introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the six Commissions. … Continue reading GC29: Walking Together with Unity and a Synodal Method