By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Nearly 70 Salesians from across the Province of St Francis Xavier gathered for the first session of the Provincial Chapter on October 15, 2026 in the crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga at 7 a.m.

Fr Ivo Coelho – who was celebrating his birthday – presided at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist along with the Provincial – Fr Ashley Miranda – and the Moderator of the Chapter – Fr Blany Pinto. In his homily, Fr Miranda likened the relationship between God and the confreres to that of the vine and the branches as described in the gospel of the day to encourage the confreres to imitate Don Bosco in being in union with God.

At 9 a.m., the gathering met in the AV Hall of the Provincial House for the roll call, followed by the Provincial formally declaring the chapter open. After thanking the Moderator and the Pre Capitular Commission members for animating the province in preparing for the chapter, he presented the fifth edition of the book on the Formation of Salesians of Don Bosco (Ratio Fundamentalis) and encouraged the capitulars to read and include its content in the working documents of the chapter. The capitulars then deliberated and approved the voting system, schedule and regulations for the second session of the chapter.

After a short coffee break, Fr Pinto presented the evaluation of the PC2024 choices. His presentation included a summary of the responses to the various choices and drew the attention of the capitulars to key insights. After a few clarifications and a short discussion, Fr Pinto expressed his gratitude to all those who were involved in the animation of the province in gearing up for the chapter. He also thanked all the rectors and communities for their responses to the various questionnaires that were sent out to prepare the working documents for the chapter commissions.

At noon, Fr Pinto presented the responses of a few communities that had expressed concerns that could be taken up at the chapter. The chapter voted for four concerns to be taken up by the commission dealing with the theme on province matters.

The capitulars met in their respective commissions after lunch to appoint a coordinator and secretary, and plan their meetings in the build up to the second session as they prepare a working document. They regrouped at 4 p.m. to share their plans before winding up for the day at 4:30 p.m.

The first session of the provincial chapter was a good occasion to celebrate fraternity and reflect on issues that affect the province as individuals and a whole. It was a culmination of reflection animated by the pre capitular commission, and an excellent point of departure for the province as it prepares for the second session of the chapter in February 2027.