By Cl. Ethan Fortes for BIS Mumbai

The Practical Trainees and College student brothers of the Mumbai Province had their annual meeting at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Park from October 21 to October 23. The three-day course was a time spent in fellowship and engaging discussions.

Fr Robert Pen, the Vice Provincial, helped the brothers in building self-awareness so as to be better able to be present to their own inner process. Through sessions like self-awareness training and mind wellness, Fr Pen helped the brothers in getting in touch with their inner selves and guiding them to understand how their emotions and worries can sometimes get in the way of being fully present among the boys. Through the PT Experience Processing, Fr Pen facilitated the discussion among the practical trainees and college students to understand the needs of the houses they are placed in and to clarify the roles and functions of the practical trainee and college student vis-à-vis their community and apostolic life. The sessions helped the brothers in reflecting on their experiences and becoming aware of the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being. A session incorporating the NCD Healing method linked emotional well-being to pastoral effectiveness and aided the brothers in knowing how past hurts or experiences manifest themselves in different encounters when in apostolate.

On the second day, Fr Valerian Pereira animated the brothers by making them reflect on their apostolic identity as Salesians thereby assisting them to rediscover the deeper meaning of their Salesian vocation in their apostolic settings. Taking examples from Don Bosco’s life itself, Fr Pereira guided the brothers to understand the importance of being aware of one’s consecrated identity while being engaged in active apostolate. He also offered a reflective session on Salesian Youth Spirituality, inviting them to root their pastoral presence in joy, service, and fidelity to Don Bosco’s spirit.

Fr Joyston Machado, meanwhile, conducted an engaging module on Personality Development and Public Speaking, encouraging the brothers to communicate with clarity and confidence in their apostolates. Taking cues from Edward de Bono’s book ‘Six Thinking Hats’, Fr Machado explained how each person is a combination of personalities and how it is important to find the right balance at the right moment. The interactive session on Public Speaking challenged the brothers to get out of their comfort zone and be prepared to give informative and reflective talks when engaging with young people.

The final day was animated by Fr Savio Silveira, who shared his insights and reflections from the recently concluded General Chapter 29. Highlighting the priorities of the Rector Major, Fr Silveira expounded on what the way forward is as per the directives of the General Chapter. Through his session of Growing through PT, Fr Silveira challenged the brothers to make their practical training a time of growth in responsibility, pastoral zeal, and community life.

The three days at DBYC Pune were marked by fraternity, prayer, and a renewed sense of mission. The brothers returned to their communities spiritually recharged and equipped with tools for their ongoing formation and pastoral commitment.