The Provincial Chapter 2027 of the Salesian Province of Panjim began on September 2, 2026, with 36 members elected to the Chapter, in the first of the three sessions of the Chapter as is traditionally done in the Province, held in the Provincial house, Odxel. The meeting began with a solemn eucharistic celebration at 9:00 am, with the Provincial welcoming the capitulars and making them realise that their presence at the chapter is a sign of being called by God for this moment, and our contribution is for the growth of the Salesian mission in the Province.



‘Rooted in Christ, Sent to the Young’, theme of PC2027, with its primary task of implementing GC29 in the province and align all the deliberations of PC24 in the light of the General Chapter. In the first session, after inaugural prayer, and hymn to the Spirit, was followed by the Provincial, Father Clive Telles inaugural address, to be conscious of the province and of GC29 at the same time. We will also have the task to undertake certain provincial tasks, and will set the focus and direction of the Province. Father Paul D’Souza then presented the theme of the Chapter, followed by Father Arvind Severes who along with Father Avin Carvalho, Father Christovan Cardozo, Father Tamatur Cardozo and Father Arnold Mathias, presented the norms of the Chapter. These were unanimously accepted by the majority members of the Chapter. With a general consensus, and the approval of the Provincial, and President of PC2027, the moderator, Father Ralin De Souza, declared the Chapter ‘OPEN’.

The members felt, that though they agree with the content of the themes, we need to restructure the format of the Provincial Chapters, to have more participation, and better involvement of those immersed in the field and are not part of the Chapter. This will help the commissions of the Chapter, to have a better consultation before they finalise the document of the commission for the final document to be voted. It was discussed, that we do not want to produce another document for the records, but a method of renewal and conversion for the members of the province and a clear mandate of what is to be do be done, so as to be more effective in the light of GC29! A serious discussion ensued about the modality and structure of the Provincial Chapter, to make it more effective and not a regular routine, that does not have an impact in the province. It was proposed that if we wish to change the traditional structure, we need to propose it and let the chapter vote on it accordingly, so we can implement it in the next chapter. In this light, changes were suggested to the Chapter themes as proposed by the Pre-Capitular commission. The changes on the themes was minor, to have a clarity for the task of the commission. It was also felt that we need to set the guidelines for working in commission towards a common purpose. This was suggested in five steps:
1. What does GC29 call us to in this area?
2. What is actually happening in our Province?
3. Where do we see the convergence, gaps or tensions?
4. What conversion or change seems necessary?
5. What 2-3 matters should the whole chapter discern?
The chapter members were then given the option to choose which commission they wish to be part off, and gradually work towards the final document at the chapter. The moderator then, put the commissions in their groups in different spaces at the Provincial house. Their task now was to appoint the Head of Commission and a Secretary, who would work to keep the records, and collaborate with the moderator for fulfilling the tasks of the chapter.

In the afternoon Session, the secretaries presented the clarifications of the themes as understood by them, and the course of action set by them to study, evaluate and formulate the document of the commission. Soon after each presentation the floor was kept open for all other commission members to respond and offer comments and suggestions.

In the concluding moments, various issues were raised that we could consider as a province, which we would need to take a look as a province. These issues were concerning our academic institutions, development plans, modality of the Chapter, inviting of Youth, lay persons and Salesian family at the next session of the chapter, evaluating the Mission Priorities, draw up a criteria for what is typically Salesian.

A few highlights of the Chapter:
i. Serious rethinking of our ministry in the light GC29.
ii. The presentation of the Chapter website: www.inppc2027.in which will be used as a tool or platform for the dissemination of the chapter. The chapter members were explained how the site will serve as a tool for working together and also involving the whole province in this journey of PC2027.
iii. While the capitulars work towards studying and formulating the issues in discussion, the members were exhorted to involve other Salesians, lay, young who can form part of the commission for formulation and drafting.
The journey has now begun, and the province will soon been involved to participate in various processes.