By Our Own Correspondent

EAO, March 30, 2016 - Provinces of AUL (Australia-Pacific), CIN (China), MYM (Myanmar) and THA (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia) celebrate their provincial chapters during these days of the Easter Week. The respective venues are Lysterfield (Melbourne, AUL), Cheung Chau (Hong Kong, CIN), Anisakan (MYM) and Hua Hin (THA).

The first PC 2016 in our Region was celebrated in August 2015 (KOR) in Seoul, Korea) and the two not-yet celebrated provincial chapters will be held in May 2015 (FIN - Manila) and in June 2015 (GIA) in Tokyo, Japan. Also the Vice-province of PGS (Papua New Guinea - Solomon Islands) plans to held its first PC 2016 probably next October.

During the summer session of the General Council (June-July 2016) the two main deliberation of each Provincial Chapter will be studied according two main themes - implementation of the GC27 and reshaping of the Salesia mission.

First theme: Implementation of the General Chapter 27 about 'Radical witness to the Gospel'

The Rector Major and his council will verify if the guidelines and choices of the Provincial Chapter for the implementation of GC27 are consistent with the Constitutions and General Regulations. Besides, will examine if the fundamental operational aspects indicated in GC27 have been adopted and make concrete for the life of the Province. In particular will assess the following aspects: Identity of Salesian consecrated life, personal and community spiritual life, necessity of a spiritual guide, fraternity in the community, promotion of the Salesian Brother Vocation, initial and ongoing formation to affective maturity, involvement and formation of Lay Mission Partners in our Mission and spirit, synergy with the whole Salesian Family, implementation of family pastoral ministry, assistance and animating presence among the youth, transparency, professionalism and solidarity in the use of goods.

Second theme: Reshaping of Salesian Presences in the Province

The study of this theme will examine if and which criteria have been indicated by the Provincial Chapter with reference to: quantitative and qualitative consistency of the communities, tasks of the Salesian confrères in the animation of the works and tasks of lay people, promotion of the Salesian consecrated vocation, necessity to open new presences, entrusting of houses to lay people under responsibility of the province, qualification of the confrères, closing of works, commitment towards poor youth, sustainability of the houses, availability to send confrères to other provinces and to welcome confrères from other provinces, involvement of the Salesian Family in our presences.

In his short video-message to the MYM Vice-province, the Rector Major, Fr. Angel F. Artime shares: "I would like to invite you especially to allow the Holy Spirit be present in your midst. Be corageous and open enough to do what the Lord inspire you to do! ... concretely asking you two specific points of attention: First - only in a strong brotherly communion is possible to move forward a hope filled future! Secondly - I invite you to consider with courage the very significance of each work you are engaged in your mission...'

We pray that the necessary personal, fraternal and pastoral conversion wanted by the GC27 will bring many concrete fruits in the daily life of all EAO confreres, especially in those four province that celebrate their Provincial Chapter during this week!

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