Formation aims to touch the hearts [of young Salesians]

By Our Own Correspondent

Hua Hin, Thailand, 3 September 2018 -- The 33 participants of the EAO and South Asia Postnovitiate formation meeting in Hua Hin had a busy Sunday: the whole morning was dedicated to explore the dynamics of vocation accompaniment and the whole afternoon was spent on experience of Thai culture in many ways.

Already the homily of Sunday Eucharist presided by Fr. Ivo Coelho was focused on the formation goal to touch the hearts of the Salesians: How to touch the hearts of young Salesians? Does our formation touch the hearts of our postnovices? Are we at home in the art of touching the hearts with the dynamics of freedom, attraction by beauty and through sharing our life experience?

The two morning sessions were moderated by Br Mon with the sharing of previous day group work about good practices and challenges in formation and by Fr. Silvio Roggia with the presentation of responses from the postnovices in the two regions on Salesian Personal Accompaniment research (2017-2018).

Afternoon outing of all participants was aimed at getting know the rich Thai natural and cultural heritage around Hua Hin, including tigers, elephants and local market. After the evening prayer and dinner followed uplifting dance session performed by the Hua Hian Vithayalai School students and teachers as well by our Aspirants (junior high school).

After two full days of the formators meeting are emerging many common point, shared wisdom and life long experience of senior Salesians (including also former provincials) and some millenials formators from both regions. Probably the most important quote was about formators witnessing. Our young Salesians in formation would tell us: "Today we will say, what you are telling us. But tomorrow we will do, what you are doing now!"

With a prayer and encouragement for the transforming experience of postnovitiate formators in Hua Hin until September 5!

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