Ferruccio Brambillasca, 48, born in Monza, Italy, has been elected by the General Assembly of PIME,, held in Rome this month, as the new General Superior. Currently he is leading the PIME community in Japan.
Ordained a priest in 1989, he served four years in south Italy. In that same period he studied at the Theological Faculty of Southern Italy where he earned a licentiate in dogmatic theology with a thesis in christology under the guidance of the theologian Bruno Forte (now bishop of Chieti). From 1994 to 1998, he was assistant and educator in the Seminary in Pune, India, before going to Japan in 1998. He has been in the Philippines in 2010 as a Resource Person at the EUNTES Center in Zamboanga City with his reflection on Spirituality of Suffering.
Father Brambillasca was elected by a majority of two thirds. Accepting the election he asked, addressing to the other delegates of the assembly, for their prayers and cooperation. Then he thanked father Gian Battista Zanchi, his predecessor as General Superior of PIME, who led the Institute for two terms since 2001. Next to father Brambillasca the General Assembly has chosen as new Vicar General Davide Sciocco, 49, born in Parabiago, Milan, currently regional superior of PIMEs in Guinea Bissau, Africa, and in the past director of the PIME’s Center of Mission and Culture in Milan.
For the General Council were elected as well:
Gabriel Amal Costa, 53, born in Narayangoni (Bangladesh), the first Bangladeshi to join the institute in 1996. He has been a priest for 16 years. Between 1998 and 2003, he worked in Ivory Coast, Africa. At present he is the vice rector of the International Theological Seminary in Monza, Italy.
Marco Monti, 49, a missionary in Thailand since 2001. Born in Bovisio Masciago (Varese, Italy), member of the Institute since 1999. He was the delegate of the Lay Missionary (LMD). Before joining PIME, he earned a degree in Business and Economics, and worked as a teacher. He is a member of the General Council on the Economy.
Paolo Ballan, 47, a missionary in Bangladesh since 2003. Born in Cassano Magnano (Milan, Italy) has been a priest for 10 years. He is the youngest member of the General Council.