By Fr. Will Matthews, Provincial

Melbourne, Australia, 14 February 2020 -- On 11-12 February 2020, all Rectors from the Province of Mary Help of Christians [Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand] came together with the members of the Provincial Council at the Salesian Province Centre in Melbourne for their meeting. The meeting began with Eucharist at which the Provincial, Fr Will Matthews was the main celebrant and during which he encouraged all rectors to be brave and courageous with faith in the Lord with assistance from Our Lady.

Following the Eucharist, the provincial gave an opening address to all leaders, an update on the situation of the province. Each rector then shared with his fellow rectors events regarding his community, confreres and apostolic works. In the afternoon, the Provincial Strategic Plan [2018-2023], or also known as the Salesian Educative and Pastoral Plan [SEPP], was discussed extensively in small groups before presenting to the larger group. The AUL Province itself is very diverse and each community requires the SEPP to apply in their own way.

On the second day, the Province Safe-Guarding and Professional Standards Office presented how to keep children safe in all Salesian environments. The Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Bernie Graham, also led a discussion on looking after the young in every Salesian community and supporting them in the Salesian Charism.

This first Rectors’ Meeting for 2020 concluded with a few closing remarks and recommendations from the provincial, and a vote of thanks to all rectors especially those who contributed it in a special way. The next AUL Rectors’ Meeting is scheduled for 7-8 July 2020.

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