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GC29: Final Week and Conclusion of the General Chapter
Turin, Italy

GC29: Final Week and Conclusion of the General Chapter

News written by: Special Correspondent

After almost 50 days of intense work, the 29th General Chapter has entered its final week. The second half of the week will take place in Rome, where the chapter members will pilgrimage to the Vatican and conclude the GC29.

Sunday, 6 April: Celebration with the Rector Major
On Sunday 6, the Rector Major presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. Thus, it marked the beginning of the concluding week of the General Chapter, thanking the faithful and the Salesian Family of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians for their closeness and prayers and inviting the chapter members to live the last days of this important journey of discernment with a spirit of joy and hope.

Monday, 7 April: Evaluation of the Chapter Experience
The day is dedicated to the personal and community evaluation of the Chapter. What aspects of the Chapter were the most challenging or demanding? What moments brought the greatest energy and hope? How can each return to their province as a bearer of renewal and passion? The chapter members are invited to reflect on these key questions to improve and live better future processes.

After dinner, the first African film about Don Bosco, "Oratory," will be screened in the theatre at 8:15 pm for the Chapter members. This film, produced by Fr. Cyril Odia, a Salesian and Chapter member, will also feature some actors who will be present for this special moment.

Tuesday, 8 April: Final Votes and Reflections from the Region
The final votes will be held on Tuesday morning, and in the afternoon, the chapter members will work in regional groups to answer some essential questions: What are we taking home from the Chapter? How can the fruits of this experience be lived at the regional level? What testimony and pedagogy can be used to communicate the Chapter's values and decisions? What suggestions can we offer to the Rector Major for his service of animation in the next six years?

Indeed, Article 19 of the Chapter's regulations requires that "before the conclusion of the General Chapter, each Region, coordinated by the Regional Councillor, will meet to evaluate the Region's situation and identify some operational guidelines concerning it, to be presented to the Rector Major and his Council for the new six-year Project. The Regions may also offer suggestions on other parts of the six-year Project if necessary."

The day will conclude with practical instructions on travel and the return of personal tablets, which will be reset for private use.

Wednesday, 9 April: Preparations and Celebration with Cardinal Artime
Wednesday will be dedicated to preparations for the transfer to Rome. The chapter members will have free time to organize their luggage and prepare for the journey.

At 6:30 pm, a common Eucharistic celebration is scheduled, presided over by the Rector Major Emeritus, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime. The Cardinal, who has spiritually accompanied the Chapter from a distance with his prayers and discreet support, will lead this moment of thanksgiving to the Lord and will have the opportunity to greet the chapter members he convened in September 2023. The celebration streamed online, will also be an opportunity for chapter members to bid each other fraternal farewells before the conclusion of the Chapter.

Thursday, 10 April: Transfer to Rome
The day will be dedicated to the transfer to Rome, which will take place in two groups, with two different trains. A dedicated vehicle will transport the luggage to and from the residences in Rome, while the confreres will be accompanied by bus to Porta Susa Station. Arrival in Rome is expected by lunchtime.

Friday, 11 April: Pilgrimage to the Vatican
The day will be dedicated to a pilgrimage to the Vatican, starting with the Eucharistic celebration at 9:00 am at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter, followed by the passage through the Holy Door. The celebration will be presided over by the new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, together with the members of the General Chapter.

This spiritual moment will be an opportunity to thank the Lord for the journey and to entrust the fruits of the Chapter to the Lord. The rest of the day will be free, offering confreres the chance to visit the Jubilee sites and all the places associated with Don Bosco in Rome.

Saturday, 12 April: Conclusion of the General Chapter
The Chapter will officially conclude with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 am, presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. At the end of the Mass, there will be closing speeches and the Moderator's official conclusion of the General Chapter.

The passion, dedication, and spirit of communion with which the chapter members have lived this important event are tangible signs of the desire to discern, discuss, and make courageous decisions so that the Congregation can respond with hope and boldness to the challenges of the time.

Courtesy: ANS-Turin

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