(Rome Italy). The 28th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation appointed Regional Councilors for the 2020-2026 sexennium.
For the Africa-Madagascar Region, Fr Alphonse Owoudou was elected, the current Superior of the Equatorial Tropical Africa Vice Province (ATE). Fr. Owoudou was born in Ebolowa (Cameroon) on April 30, 1969; he carried out his novitiate in Lomé (Togo) between 1989 and 1990; he made his perpetual vows on 9 August 1997 in Yaoundé (Cameroon), where he was then ordained a priest on 11 July 1999. He was Dean of the Post-Novitiate of Lomé (2011-2015) and Dean of the Salesian Institute of Yaound. He holds a doctorate in psychology from the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome.
For the America South Cone Region is Fr Gabriel Romero, Provincial of North Argentina (ARN). Fr. Gabriel Romero was born on September 10, 1971 in San Miguel de Tucumán (Argentina). He attended the Novitiate in La Plata professing as a Salesian on January 31, 1991. He made Perpetual Profession on October 5, 1996 and priestly ordination in Cordoba, December 11, 1999. He is Professor of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, with direction in Youth Ministry. He participated in the 27th General Chapter.
For the South Asia Region, the Capitulars have appointed Fr. Michael Biju, Councilor of the Province of India-Guwahati. Fr. Biju was born on May 20, 1970 in Idukki (India), attended the Novitiate in Shillong, making his first vows on March 20, 1988; his perpetual vows on May 24, 1996, in Shillong, and was ordained a priest on July 30, 2000 in Moolamattam. He holds a doctorate in moral theology and a master’s degree in bioethics. From 2011 to 2017 he was Dean of the “Ratisbonne” Salesian Theological Studentate of Jerusalem.
For the East Asia Region, Fr. Giuseppe Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, currently serving at the Mission Department, was appointed. Born on November 2, 1955, in Quang Ngai (Vietnam), he carried out the Novitiate in Tram Hanh, made his First Profession on August 15, 1974. He made his perpetual vows in Dalat on August 15, 1980 and was ordained a priest on the 9 September 1995 in Fountain Valley (United States). In his home province he was Councilor and Delegate for Formation.
For the Central and Northern Europe Region Fr Roman Jachimowicz, Superior of the Province of Poland-Piła (PLN) was elected. Fr. Jachimowicz was born on November 13, 1967 in Gorzów Wlkp (Poland), carried out the Novitiate in Swobnica, made his First Profession on August 22, 1987 and Perpetual Profession on July 31, 1993 in Rumia; he was ordained a priest on 25 May 1995 in Lad. He Speaks German and Russian; in the “Saint Adalbert” Province of Poland he was Delegate for the Past Pupils.
For the Inter-America Region, the Councilor is Fr. Hugo Orozco Sánchez, Provincial of Mexico-Guadalajara. Born June 30, 1968 in San Luis de Potosí (Mexico), he carried out his novitiate in Chula-Vista, made his first vows on August 16, 1989 in Tlaquepaque and perpetual vows, on September 10, 1995, in Tlaquepaque. He received priestly ordination in San Pedro de Tlaquepaque on March 15, 1997. Before being appointed Superior, he was Delegate for Youth Ministry and Formation for the MEG Province.
For the Mediterranean Region, Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, outgoing Superior of the Salesian Province of Spain-San Giacomo Maggiore (SSM) was chosen. Fr Pérez Godoy was born on November 5, 1959 in Burguillos, made his First Profession on September 8, 1978, made his Perpetual Profession on August 15, 1984 and was ordained a priest on June 5, 1987. Before serving the SSM Province, in the Seville Province he was Delegate for Youth Ministry, Vicar, and Provincial. Graduated in Ecclesiastical Sciences, he has a Diploma in Magisterium and Catechetics and in Youth Ministry.
Best wishes for a fruitful mission from all the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and FMA educating communities in the world!
