By Fr. Anthony Pun SDB

Hong Kong, 7 April 2024 -- “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse of Psalm 118 recurs in our Easter prayer. And it has come true in the Salesian Province of China, for they have just concluded their Provincial Chapter and installed the new Provincial!

In the past week, when the Easter Octave was celebrated in the Universal Church, the Provincial Chapter (PC24) of China Province was held in the Salesian House of Studies, Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong. The 25 participants represented 81 confreres residing in the three territories of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. It is worth noticing among the PC participants, there were two Salesian brothers and two deacons, and two were first-timers. Young Salesians in initial formation and two mission partners in youth ministry were invited to be observers.

Three commissions were set up to draft the working documents. By now, the topics of reflection should not be new for fellow Salesian confreres. In preparation for the anticipated General Chapter, confreres are invited to reflect upon their passion for Jesus Christ and commitment to work with the Salesian Family and mission partner for the salvation of the young, especially the poorest and abandoned. In addition, the Rector Major has called for a review of governance at the world and provincial level. With prior experience in the last Provincial Chapter two years ago, electronic voting no longer imposed challenges on both the younger and older participants. Instead, the real challenge was found in the third area of concern over governance. Much effort was spent in creating a space of discussion and choice within the framework and work process of the Provincial Chapter.

In thanksgiving to the Lord for His guidance, in the concluding Mass of the Provincial Chapter, Fr. Domingos Leong took his oath as the 16th Provincial. Fr. Joseph Phuoc, Regional Councillor of the East Asia-Oceania Region, presided at the eucharistic celebration and encouraged the Province to move forward with its strengths and heritage. Towards the end, Fr. Domingos shared his vision for China Province, in which Salesian confreres, faithful to their charismatic identity, work hand in hand and enthusiastically with the Salesian Family and mission partners for the good of the young, the reason for our existence and vocation. Last but not least, special thanks to Fr. Joseph Ng for his leadership, diligence, and loving care for everyone during his term as Provincial.

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