Additionally, the intranet platform developed for the Chapter allows quick and efficient voting, providing significant advantages regarding both time and accuracy of vote counting. Members can now use the time spent on manual counting for discussion and reflection. The platform was officially inaugurated yesterday during the election of the three moderators. In less than a few minutes, in four rounds of voting, Fr. Peter Timko, Fr. John Zosiama, and Fr. Hailemariam Medhin Tesfay were elected.

First Day of Work at GC29: Organization, Regulations, and Commission Structure

The first working day of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) was crucial for defining the organization and operational methods that will guide the activities of the coming weeks. Father Alphonse Owoudou, the Chapter's Moderator, emphasized that regulations are essential for setting the scope of decisions and establishing procedures that will lead to deliberations.

The work began with particular attention to the definition of regulations, the formation of commissions, and the adoption of innovative technological tools to improve decision-making processes.

The chapter members reviewed the draft of the regulations presented by the president, Father Stefano Martoglio. After individual reading, the document was discussed by members of linguistic commissions, formed according to the most widely spoken languages in the Salesian world. This legal step highlights the care taken to ensure real and inclusive participation. As noted by the Chapter members, the objective is to gather every contribution, avoiding situations where a concept remains poorly understood or an idea from the Congregation's peripheries is overlooked.

Despite technological and organizational progress, the final approval of the Regulations has been postponed to the following day. During the commissions' work, observations and proposals for amendments emerged that will need to be incorporated into the draft. The General Commission will rework and resubmit the text to the Chapter members for final approval.

GC29 Ensures Greater Interaction and Exchange for a Shared Vision

Saturday, February 22, marked a crucial moment for General Chapter 29, which was able to begin its work decisively and effectively. Among the first concrete actions, the Chapter members approved the Regulations with a large majority: the votes against the overall text were fewer than those expressed on individual sections that compose it. Additionally, the Working Document, derived from the report that accompanied the convocation of the Chapter presented by the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, was accepted, albeit with some clarifications. For the Chapter members, this was a prelude to discussions on the central themes to be addressed during the Chapter—a path that, already in the first week, required defining the appropriate context to develop discussions and advance proposals.

A key moment occurred between Friday and Saturday when some Chapter members pointed out that the initial composition of the Commissions reflected a division by language groups. While understandable, this approach risked limiting the exchange of experiences and perspectives from diverse cultural realities instead of favouring homogeneity.

Thanks to the intervention of the General Commission, chaired by Father Stefano Martoglio, and the complete willingness of the Chapter members to modify the day's schedule and the revision of the structure. The reorganization led to the creation of six groups (compared to the initial five), with a limit of 50 members. Furthermore, Chapter members were encouraged to interact more with one another, leveraging their knowledge of a second language to ensure greater interaction and exchange. "This is a result that fully corresponds to the teaching of yesterday's readings," declared Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Moderator of GC29. "This fosters exchange, overcoming barriers that are not primarily linguistic but cultural," he said.

This openness marks one of the distinctive characteristics of this General Chapter and could represent a decisive step forward for the future. If the work can sustain this dynamic of exchange and dialogue, GC29 could stand out as a moment of true renewal inspired by the Lord.

This direction was further reinforced by the homily delivered during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Father Carmine Arice, Superior General of the Society of Priests of Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo. During his reflection, Father Arice, recalling an encounter with Fr. Domenico Machetta, SDB, emphasized: "The problem of problems is mutual love. The unity of the community is the target of Evil. There may well be works that function. Still, these do not bother Satan: it is those who humble themselves before their brothers that unsettle the Prince of Evil." He concluded by inviting everyone to live in mutual esteem as a prayer, to welcome the novelties of the Holy Spirit, and to transform themselves "from strangers into friends."

With this initial reorganization and a climate of collaboration and openness, the Chapter members are prepared to face the many challenges ahead. The path that has been initiated seems promising and lays the foundation for a General Chapter aimed not only at dialogue but also at building a shared vision capable of responding to the needs of the present time.