From Pentecost to Visitation

The Provincial Chapter of the Great Britain Province met at Savio House from the evening of Pentecost Sunday (27 May) to the morning of the Feast of the Visitation (31 May).

The members and observers at the 2007 Provincial Chapter

There were twenty three voting members, including the Provincial, Fr Michael Winstanley (centre forward in the photograph), his Council, Rectors and Delegates from the Salesian Houses and Delegates elected by the whole Province. They were joined by six non-voting participants, including Peter Hunter, a member of the World Presidency of the Confederation of Past Pupils. The Moderator this year was the Provincial Secretary, Fr Patrick Sherlock, extreme left on the photograph.

This Chapter was one of 70 taking place around the world in preparation for the 2008 General Chapter, CG26. Discussions centred around the five topics proposed by the Rector Major:

Return to Don Bosco
Urgent need for Evangelisation
Need for Recruitment
Evangelical Poverty
New Frontiers

All of these spring from the motto of the Salesians, which is also a prayer, Da mihi animas cetera tolle. This is usually translated Give me souls, take all the rest.

Much work had already been done before the Chapter itself. Salesian Communities throughout the UK had prayed about and discussed the topics, thinking of God's Call, the Current Situation, and Courses of Action. They sent their responses to the Preparatory Commission who prepared the draft documents for the Chapter.

During the Chapter, stretching between celebrations of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady, these documents were refined and approved. You can download the text of the final version. The Chapter also elected a Delegate to accompany Fr Michael Winstanley to Rome for the General Chapter next year. The one chosen was Fr James Gallagher, from our Salesian Community in Huyton, Merseyside, who is at present working as an adviser in the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

We were joined for the final celebration meal by Sr Elizabeth Purcell FMA, Provincial, Sr Georgina McPake FMA, Animator at Kendal, and Tess John, National Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators.

During the breaks there was the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Savio House.