By Fr. Tim Zak, SDB

Reflections on the Provincial Chapter

Dear Salesian Family,

It’s been almost three weeks now since we finished the SDB provincial chapter. I would like to share a few reflections on the experience. The chapter began on March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, with a day of recollection and concluded on March 23 with our Province Day celebration. At the conference on the day of recollection, Bro. Tom Dion reminded us that the provincial chapter is “a fraternal gathering in which the local communities strengthen their sense of belonging to the provincial community, through their common concern for its general problems” (Const. 170). I truly felt we were gathered together as brothers, belonging to something bigger than ourselves and our local communities, namely to the province community and the Congregation, sharing our common concerns for our mission to the young.

The fraternal dimension of the provincial chapter was experienced in our unity around the Table of the Lord and in our common prayer, in our fellowship at meals and evening socials, and in the unanimity in voting. While respecting the different points of view on topics that were discussed, in the end we came to consensus about the documents in preparation for General Chapter 28 and our Province Handbook.