2024 Provincial Chapter

By Ms. Chioma Okoye, Communications Director, Mary Help of Christians Center

(Tampa, FL – April 11) – The 2024 Provincial Chapter was held at the Mary Help of Christians Center during Easter week. Thirty-five members from our province in the two countries we serve were elected to attend this meeting. This is a high-level meeting that happens once in three years.

Bishop Robert Lynch, retired bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, preached the retreat and presided at Mass on the opening day. The next day, Salesian Sisters and Salesian Cooperators were invited to join the conversations about the realities of laypeople who work alongside professed Salesians.

At the end of the week of meetings, all the Salesian priests and brothers celebrated Province Day. This celebratory day started with Mass which was attended by all the Salesians in attendance at the chapter, all the retired Salesians who reside at St. Philip Residence at Mary Help Tampa, and local Salesian Cooperators and aspirants. After Mass, the professed Salesians gathered for lunch and fellowship in the parish hall. As a token of gratitude, Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB, honored Mary Sverko, for her dedication to Mary Help Tampa and the Salesian mission. Mary handles the facility rentals, as well as manages the St. Philip Residence at Mary Help Tampa.