By Fr Bosco Carvalho for BISMumbai

The first session of the Provincial Chapter (PC2024) of the Salesian Province of Bombay (INB) was held on 4 January 2024 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga. The theme of PC2024 in preparation for General Chapter 29 is "Passionate about Jesus Christ and Dedicated to the Young". 70 Salesians were present.

The meeting began with the Holy Eucharist at 7:00 a.m. celebrated by the Provincial of INB, Fr Savio Silveira. In his homily, Fr Silveira encouraged the capitulars with the words of the former Rector Major, Fr Egidio Vigano - to have an oratorian heart. This entailed making Jesus the foundation of every Salesian's life, displaying apostolic zeal and pastoral creativity. 

Fr Valerian Pereira, the Moderator of PC2024, welcomed the assembly for the First Session of PC2024. The Provincial, in his address, reminded the gathering that PC2024 focused on growth and renewal and discerning the will of God for the province. Reflecting on the guidelines of the General Council, he shared pointers that serve as help for enriching Salesian living. He concluded his inaugural address by declaring the Provincial Chapter open.

The Moderator presented the schedule for second session PC24 which was unanimously passed. Fr Nelson Mudaliar made a presentation on the online voting system via an application. The PC2024 would adopt this system to ensure safe voting and save time. The Moderator read out the Regulations of PC24. A few clarifications and interventions were made in this regard. The Moderator then presented the reports of the implementation of PC2022 in the communities of INB.

The capitulars were then divided into four different Commissions so as to focus on key areas, foster greater participation, and ensure a thorough study on the theme. The members met in their respective commissions, and discussed strategies to present the drafts of the theme assigned. The secretaries presented each of their preparation schedules for each commission 

The Provincial Chapter is held once in three years. It is a time of grace, of discernment and of forging newer pathways into the Salesian ministry in the Province. INB looks forward to the second session of the PC2024 which will be held in April this year.