On Monday 31st March 2008, the members of the 26th Salesian General Chapter took a break from their deliberations. They were invited by Pope Benedict XVI for a special audience in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican.

Among those present were the Provincial of the Great Britain (GBR) Province, Fr Michael Winstanley, the Province Delegate, Fr James Gallagher, and Fr Bernard Grogan, who in on the staff of the Salesian Headquarters in Rome and has been providing translation services.

After the audience, the Rector Major and the General Councillors met the Pope individually. All the Chapter members were warmly greeted by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Salesian who has become Secretary of State for the Vatican City.

Cardinal Bertone greets Fr Winstanley, followed by Fr Gallagher, with Fr Grogan beside him.

Also in the photograph above, following Fr Gallagher, is Fr Jeronimo Monteiro, World Delegate for the Past Pupils.