By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

The fourth edition of the Lay Salesian Partners (LSP 4.0) Programme was held from July 5 to 11, 2026 at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Pune. It brought together 19 participants from various Salesian schools and educational institutions of the Province. Most of the participants had already spent eight to ten years in Salesian educational settings and came with a genuine desire to deepen their understanding of Don Bosco’s educational vision and spirituality.

The programme began on the evening of July 5 with an introductory session led by the course coordinator, Fr Ian Doulton, SDB, who welcomed the participants, introduced the programme, and facilitated activities that helped the group form a warm and cohesive learning community.

Throughout the week, participants were guided by an experienced team of resource persons who explored different facets of the Salesian charism. Fr Valerian Pereira, SDB, presented the foundations of Salesian Spirituality, inviting participants to rediscover the spiritual heart of Don Bosco’s educational mission and eco-spirituality in the pedagogy of Don Bosco. Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, SDB, developed the themes of the Preventive System, demonstrating its enduring relevance in today’s educational environment, and the vocation of the Lay Salesian Partner.

Drawing on the work of renowned neuroscientist Frances Jensen, Fr Doulton introduced participants to current insights into the teenage brain, helping them understand adolescent behaviour through the lens of contemporary neuroscience. Fr Blany Pinto, SDB, shared key principles of Salesian Accompaniment based on his experience at the School of Salesian Accompaniment, highlighting the importance of walking alongside young people with sensitivity and purpose. Sr Teresa Joseph, FMA, reflected on the life of Mamma Margaret and her enduring maternal influence on Salesian pedagogy and the formation of the Salesian spirit.

A memorable highlight of the programme was an interactive session with six teenagers. Rather than discussing young people in theory, participants engaged directly with them in a frank and open dialogue. The teenagers spoke about their dreams, struggles, hopes, and pressures, while the educators shared how they accompany adolescents in their classrooms and homes. The mutual exchange was lively, honest and deeply enriching, reminding everyone that authentic education begins with listening.

The concluding session was jointly facilitated by Ms Christina Mascarenhas and Fr Mascarenhas who reflected on the relationship between educators and young people within the Salesian setting. Their presentation drew together the principal themes of the week and challenged participants to renew their commitment to the Salesian educational mission.

LSP 4.0 proved to be an enriching experience marked by enthusiastic participation, thoughtful interaction, and a strong sense of community. The programme offered participants a holistic appreciation of Salesian spirituality, pedagogy, and accompaniment, equipping them to return to their institutions with renewed vision, deeper conviction, and fresh enthusiasm. As educators entrusted with the formation of the young, they left inspired to make Don Bosco’s spirit ever more present in their classrooms and educational communities.