The retreat concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Gabriel Romero, Regional Councillor for America South Cone. At the end of the Mass, there was also the installation ceremony of the new Superior of the ‘Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá’ Province of Argentina South for the six-year period 2026-2032, Fr Manuel Cayo, SDB.

During the celebration, heartfelt thanks were expressed to the outgoing Superior, Fr Darío Perera, for his service of animation and governance from 2020 to 2026. Numerous Salesians from throughout the Province concelebrated the Eucharist, expressing fraternal communion around this significant transfer of responsibility.

During his homily, Fr Romero thanked Fr Darío and the Provincial Council for their work over the years, emphasising the responsibility and generosity with which they have exercised their service, aimed at building a fraternal provincial community. Taking up the spiritual journey experienced during the retreat, he highlighted how the figures of Martha and Mary offer two fundamental dimensions of Salesian life: generous and tireless service and attentive and contemplative listening to the Lord. In this context, he recalled the motto of the 29th General Chapter, reminding everyone that the Salesian heart is a heart passionate about God and young people, wishing the new Provincial to live his service with a unified and deeply evangelical heart.

Addressing Fr Manuel Cayo, Fr Romero emphasised the task entrusted to him of being father and shepherd of the entire Province, animating and governing with closeness, attention to people and fidelity to the Salesian vocation. Finally, he reminded him that on this journey the new Provincial is not alone, but accompanied by the Lord, Mary Help of Christians and the Salesian community.

Subsequently, Fr Manuel Cayo made his profession of faith and oath of fidelity, officially assuming his new office and signing the pertaining documents.

Before concluding, Fr Darío Perera took the floor to say goodbye and thank you, expressing his gratitude in particular to the Vice Provincial, Fr Osvaldo Braccia, and to the confreres of the Provincial Council who accompanied him in his service of governance. Fr Manuel Cayo also gave a brief greeting, recalling his priestly motto, ‘One thing is necessary’ (Lk 10:42), as a guide for his ministry, and asking for their prayerful  support to live his new service in love and fidelity to the Gospel.

The New Provincial Council

For the animation and government of the Province of Argentina South, Fr Manuel Cayo confirmed Fr Osvaldo Braccia as Vice Provincial, Fr Agustín Camiletti as Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Gabriel Doddi as Provincial Economer and Fr José García Arias as Councillor. He also appointed new Provincial Councillors: Fr Jorge Ledesma (La Plata), Fr Néstor Zubeldía (Cipolletti) and Fr Hugo Vera (Río Grande).

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