By Bro. Raymond D. Callo, SDB

Paranaque, the Philippines, 14 March 2024 -- The Salesian Brothers’ Formation House – Blessed István Sándor Community was canonically erected on 4 December 2013 for the specific formation of the Salesian Brothers coming from the regions of East Asia and Oceania, South Asia, and Africa-Madagascar, as well as English speaking provinces. It has a team of formators dedicated exclusively for them. It is ideally located within a compound that includes the formation community for the clerics (Seminaryo ng Don Bosco) and the Don Bosco School of Theology.

For the Salesian Brother, DBST offers the Course on Theological and Pastoral Studies (TPS). TPS aims to provide the Salesian Brother with “an adequate theological, pedagogical and Salesian preparation appropriate to his specific vocation” (C116). Together with this Theological and Pastoral Studies, DBST offers the Brother who holds a bachelor’s degree the possibility of also taking the Masters in Pastoral Ministry (MPM) degree.

Complementing the academic, theological, and pastoral studies given by DBST, the Sándor Community offers the Salesian Brother various opportunities to enhance his Human, Spiritual, Intellectual/Professional, and Salesian growth, as envisioned by the Ratio. Thus, the Community offers supplementary modules and programs on Inter-Cultural Dialogue, Basic Accounting and Financial Management, Techniques and Technologies of Social Communication, etc. The Brothers are also given varied experiences of pastoral exposure, immersion, and ministry. All these are offered within the two academic years and during the summer break.

For the Formation Year 2024-2025, the Salesian Brother (English speaking) who intends to be part of the Blessed István Sándor Community should arrive not later than June 17, 2024. Brothers who still need to learn English are advised to come to Sandor 6 months before the opening of classes so that they can study English. Brothers in this situation are expected to arrive not later than April 1, 2024. For further inquiries, kindly get in touch with the rector, Fr. Erasto Dizon: ebdizon@one-bosco.org.

---

---