The 22nd Provincial Chapter of the Australia Pacific Province began at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne on Friday 20th May.

Fr Chris Ford is serving as moderater of the Chapter and is assisted by a number of lay people in preparation, organisation and execution of the Chapter. Due to international border restrictions, some Salesians and members of the Salesian Family from Samoa and Fiji could only take part in the Chapter via audio-visual link. The use of Microsoft Teams and digital gadgets provided by the Catholic Leadership Centre was a great success in linking up with Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand in real time.

About 30 lay mission partners were invited on the second and the third day of the Chapter, 21 & 22 May, to share their dreams, concerns and joys in making Don Bosco’s dream a better reality in Australia and the Pacific. They actively participated in discussions and presentations under three major topics of identity, formation and mission in accordance with the guidelines given by the Rector Major.

The Provincial of the Salesian Sisters, Sr Louise McKeogh, and Sr Delma Lamb also took part in this formation process to explore Salesian identity in missions with the young. Some Salesian Cooperators, youth leaders, and a number of leading figures across the province also participated and contributed well to the Chapter.

The Chapter will conclude on 24th May with the celebration of the solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, also the patroness of Australia, during which a number of jubilarians celebrating anniversaries in 2022 will be honoured.