By Samuel Vaz for BIS Mumbai

Six Salesian aspirants took part in a five-day pre-novitiate orientation workshop at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Pune from June 4 to 8, completing a programme designed to strengthen spiritual formation, personal development and vocational discernment ahead of their pre-novitiate year.

The workshop was led by Salesian priests Fr Ian Doulton, Fr Joyston Machado, Fr Bosco Carvalho and Fr Blany Pinto, who guided participants through a series of sessions on prayer, communication, self-awareness, consecrated life and vocational commitment.

The programme opened with sessions on personal growth, honesty and spiritual journaling. Participants were introduced to methods of reflective prayer and encouraged to develop habits of self-examination and discernment. Daily practice of Lectio Divina, a prayerful reading of scripture, became a central feature of the workshop.

Over the following days, the aspirants explored themes including awareness, listening, decision-making and the challenges of responding to a religious vocation. Through group discussions, practical exercises and guided reflection, they examined how faith, personal responsibility and community life intersect in everyday situations.

A session on celibacy and consecrated life provided an overview of religious vocation within the Catholic Church, while another encouraged participants to reflect on their personal relationship with Christ and their readiness to embrace the demands of Salesian life.

The programme also included an interaction with young working adults, offering participants an opportunity to discuss faith, work and vocation in a contemporary context. Organisers said the exchange encouraged mutual reflection and dialogue between the aspirants and young professionals.

Communication and emotional awareness formed a major part of the workshop. Sessions focused on recognising and expressing emotions constructively, building healthy relationships and creating communities marked by trust, respect and openness. Participants also worked through case studies that required them to apply Salesian values to practical situations and pastoral challenges.

The final day centred on personality development.  Unita Doulton led sessions on emotional intelligence, social awareness, relationship management and communication skills, highlighting qualities considered important for future ministry and leadership. 

Participants also took part in daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, personal prayer and recreation. Periods of reflection between sessions allowed them to engage more deeply with the themes under discussion and consider their future vocation with greater clarity.

The orientation animators described the workshop as an important stage in preparing the six aspirants for the initial phase of Salesian formation and vocational journey. For the participants, the programme offered not only practical preparation but also a valuable opportunity to deepen faith, strengthen commitment and look ahead with renewed purpose and hope. 

The programme wound up with a visit to the Salesian community and parish of Sacred Heart at Yerwada; a trip to the Agha Khan Palace and a sumptuous meal at the famed Barbecue Nation.