“Blessed James Alberione’s spirituality stands on two pillars: passion for the Word of God and Prayer,” said Bishop John Rodrigues, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay during his homily, preached to the Pauline Family in India on 28 November 2021 at Bandra, Mumbai. The occasion was the Feast of Blessed James Alberione and the grand finale of the Biblical Year, celebrated jointly by all the members of the Pauline Family in India. Those in Mumbai and around gathered together at Alberione Hall of the Society of St Paul, Bandra, while others joined the function online through livestreaming.
Bishop John presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration that was begun with a solemn precession and the enthronement of the Holy Bible. His homily was a meaningful blend of the theme of Advent and the life and message of Blessed James Alberione. “Advent invites us to watch and pray with eager expectation for the Son of Man to come. And Blessed Alberione was a man who watched for the signs of the times, actively engaged himself in the society, and prayed continuously for the new century,” said Bishop John.  
The Holy mass was followed by a family gathering. Fr Joe Eruppakkatt SSP, the Coordinator of the Programmes for the Biblical Year welcomed the gathering, with a keynote address. He gave an overview of the programmes and activities in the Pauline Family during the Biblical Year. The year was well spent with several webinars, lectures, contests and activities organised by the central committee. Besides these, the local communities of the Pauline Family organised or launched several programmes like free distribution of Bibles in local languages, Bible Study Videos, webinars, creation of God’s Word App, ready-text for Children’s Bible, Alberione Bible Quiz (ABQ), creation of Audio Bible, etc. 
Others who spoke on the occasion were Fr Varghese Gnalian, the Provincial superior of the Society of St Paul, Sr Arul Mary Susai, Provincial Superior of the Daughters of St Paul, and Sr Celine Cunha, Provincial superior of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. 
All three of them appreciated the year-long programme of the Biblical Year which was characterised by team work, planning and participation, according to them. “Let the same spirit continue amidst us and we shall achieve greater things in many areas of our apostolate,” said Fr Varghese Gnalian.
Bishop John also formally launched ‘Alberione Bible Quiz’ (ABQ), a new programme planned and designed by St Pauls Biblical Centre, New Delhi. This national level Bible Quiz programme is intended to encourage and motivate people to read and study the Word of God systematically. 
The day’s programme was capped with a festive family agape, participated by all Paulines present. 

The Day 5 (last day) of the Provincial Chapter began with the Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr Johny Panamthanam. Fr Thomas Mangathanam presented the report of Day 4, and the assembly passed the report with minor changes. 

The assembly discussed and deliberated on the following topics:

Administration
The assembly sought explanations on the functioning of Ferrero Foundation, Company, Trust and Foundations. The delegates discussed in detail some of the land dealings undertaken by the Provincial Government. The Financial administrator sought clarification on the roles and responsibilities of his office. It was also suggested to look for possible funds/scholarships for various charitable activities by the province. The Provincial Bursar updated the assembly on the province's remuneration upon the settlement of Examiner Bookshop with the Archdiocese of Bombay. 

Various Topics
The assembly discussed the Bifurcation of the Province into different provinces or as administrative regions, and the chapter members felt the need to expand ourselves into other Christian belts/regions. Before submitting the proposal to the General Government on bifurcation of the province, the assembly recommended a survey among the members of the Indian province.

There is a need for clarification and revision of specific roles in the handbook of authority. The chapter members were of the opinion that the directory could be customised to the needs of the provinces/regions. Strongly recommended the need to shorten the number of formative years. 

A request to be made to the general government to avoid undue interferences, and ask for greater autonomy to provinces. However, the provinces should have clarity on such things before approaching the general government with the proposals.

Fr Provincial updated the assembly on the properties used by Bangalore Parish and Clarisas in Bangalore.

The provincial's report of the province 2017-2021 to the general chapter presented by Fr Provincial was unanimously approved. 

Fr Provincial concluded the sessions with a note of appreciation to all the delegates for their active and fruitful participation during the chapter. All the discussions, he asserted, were for the good of our mission and life. He asserted on the need to uphold justice and truth in all our dealings as consecrated Paulines. At the end of the evening Eucharistic Celebration that was presided over by Fr Dominic D’Silva, Fr Provincial declared the XVIII Provincial Chapter closed.

The fourth day of the XVIII Provincial chapter began with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Fr Johnson Chacko.
 
At 9 am, the delegates gathered in the chapter hall for the day’s discussions and deliberations. Fr Joshy Thumpakkattu presented the report of Day three and the same was passed by the assembly. 
 
The election of delegates to the general chapter began after the secretary read out the relevant sections from the constitution of the Society of St Paul. 
 
During the elections held, Fr Joby Mathew, Fr Francis Dalmet, Fr Sebastian Thomas and Fr Johnson Chacko were elected the first, second, third and fourth delegates respectively to the General Chapter.
 
In the election of the substitutes, Fr Dominic D’Silva, Fr Saju George, Fr Shaiju Joseph and Fr Sajith Cyriac were elected the first, second, third and fourth substitutes respectively.
 
During the day, the assembly discussed about various departments of our Apostolate—Educational Institutions, Distribution Centres, Periodicals, Biblical Apostolate, Parish Ministry, etc. 
 
The day’s program concluded at 8 pm with the visit to the Blessed Sacrament conducted by Fr Herman Dung Dung

Day three of the 18th Provincial Chapter began with the Eucharistic celebration presidedover by Fr Francis Dalmet. Fr Thomas Mangamthanathu presented the second day's report,and the assembly passed the same.

The day's session began with the Provincial's report ofthe province from 2017-2021.After the presentation of the Provincial's report, the forum was opened for further discussion.The general observation of the chapter members on the report was that it needs to beshortened significantly and adhere to the required format defined by the general government. FrProvincial informed the assembly that the report will be shortened. Further, the assembly felt that the report on vocation promotion and formation needs to be modified.

The membersalso discussed various aspects of formation in our province. The assembly appreciated the activitiesof the Pauline Spirituality Centre and the need to make maximum use of the resourcesavailable.The delegates also deliberated on the report of the apostolic sector, and its various aspects.

The day's proceedings concluded with the Eucharistic Adoration led by Br Richard Vallikkaattuparambil.