By Fr Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai SDB for BIS Mumbai

 The INB-INP Staff of Formation Houses and Rectors of Practical Trainees and College Brothers held a two-day meeting at Don Bosco, Koregaon Park, Pune, on October 4 – 5, 2026. The meeting brought together around 30 formators and rectors to deepen their understanding of the Ratio and strengthen their commitment to the integral formation and accompaniment of young Salesians.

 The meeting commenced on October 4 with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial of INB. In his homily, Fr Miranda highlighted the challenges of formation and, drawing inspiration from St Francis of Assisi, called for an integrated approach to formation. Later, at the beginning of the sessions, Fr Miranda underlined formation as a journey requiring patient accompaniment, spiritual direction, growth in grace, genuine friendship and brotherhood, fraternal correction, and the protection of minors and vulnerable persons. He also stressed that formation must remain closely connected to the Salesian mission.

 Fr Ivo Coelho, who was closely involved in the development of the Ratio, presented its history, development and major orientations, highlighting some of the nuances that shaped the document. Fr Robert Pen, Vice Provincial of INB, then offered a chapter-by-chapter overview of the Ratio under the theme “Ratio Home.” The session was followed by an interactive floor discussion. In the afternoon, Fr Pen introduced Chapter 3 of the Ratio: “The Journey: Basic Options,” facilitating personal reading and reflection. The first day concluded with Fr Banzelao Teixeira, Vice Provincial of INP, presenting the Preventive System as a guiding principle of formation. He highlighted the continuing relevance of Don Bosco’s preventive approach in accompanying young Salesians through presence, trust, reason, religion and loving-kindness.

 The second day began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Banzelao Teixeira. Later, the sessions focused on lifelong formation and vocational discernment. The first session, “Formation as Lifelong: A Key to the New Ratio,” presented by Fr Ivo Coelho, emphasized formation as a continuous journey of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral growth extending beyond the period of initial formation. Fr Ian Figueiredo led the session on “Vocation Discernment during Initial Formation,” stressing the importance of patient, responsible and attentive accompaniment of candidates as they discern their vocation and make mature choices. This was followed by a session on “Criteria and Signs for Discernment,” presented by Fr Blany Pinto and a session on “Admissions,” presented by Fr Valerian Pereira. Both sessions focused on responsible discernment and the criteria required for evaluating a candidate’s readiness and suitability at different stages of formation. The meeting concluded with an overall evaluation.

 The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for the formators and rectors of INB and INP to deepen their understanding of the Ratio, share formation experiences and challenges, and renew their commitment to the integral, faith-filled and lifelong accompaniment of young Salesians in the spirit of Don Bosco.