By Fr Jayaseelan SDB for BIS Mumbai

The formation meeting of the Staff of all formation houses of INB and INP, along with the Rectors of Practical Trainees and College Brothers was held at DBYC Koregaon Park, Pune, on October 5 and 6, 2025. The meeting brought together 22 participants from INB and INP.

 The first day began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Ivo Coelho SDB, the former General Councillor for Formation. In his homily, Fr Coelho emphasized the concept of servanthood, drawing inspiration from Jesus' role as the Servant of God and, ultimately, servant of everyone. He encouraged the participants to be authentic servants to those around them. The sessions commenced with a prayer led by Fr Mayank Parmar SDB, which followed a welcoming word by Fr Robert Pen SDB, the Vice Provincial, who provided an overview of the meeting's background.

 Fr Ajoy Fernandes SDB led the morning and afternoon sessions, focusing on "Brokenness in Religious Life." Key discussion points included: Different parenting styles and their effects on late teens, Understanding self and others: perspectives, challenges, and interventions, Developing cognitive characteristics, cognitive skills, and cognitive capacities, Personality styles and values. Group discussions enriched the sharing of experiences and ideas. In the evening, Fr Coelho delivered a session on Salesian Accompaniment, discussing on the criteria for discernment in reference to the new ratio which is in progress. He emphasized the importance of considering counter-indications during the discernment process.

 The second day began with meditation led by Fr Franco Pereira SDB, followed by the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Ashley Miranda SDB, the Provincial. In his homily, Fr Miranda reflected on the call of God, drawing parallels with the story of Jonah. Fr Miranda led the first session on Formation Issues in GC 29, highlighting the need to celebrate positive moments, events, and persons in the Salesian formation process. He presented areas of possible growth and posed 12 questions for discussion and elaboration, out of which three questions were discussed in detail. Then, Fr Robert Pen discussed the feedback from rectors of practical trainees and college students, using the Steps of the Conversation in the Spirit Method. The discussion focused on common threads, formators intervention, and areas of growth and potential improvements.

 The two-day seminar concluded with a sense of purpose and direction, having explored key themes and discussed ways to move forward. Participants evaluated the seminar, providing valuable feedback for future improvements. The meeting came to a close with tea. The formation meeting provided a valuable opportunity for staff from INB and INP to come together, share experiences, and reflect on their roles in shaping the next generation of Salesians. The insights gained from this meeting will contribute to the ongoing development of formation programmes and strategies.