World Consultation in Batulao

By Bro. Raymond Callo, SDB

Batulao, Batangas, the Philippines, 20 February 2019 -- Fr Ivo Coelho together with the RMG Formation Department Team (Francisco Santos Montero, Silvio Roggia, Jose Kuttianimattathil, the Regional Coordinators of Africa-Madagascar, East Asia Oceania, South Asia, Interamerica, America South Cone, Central-North Europe, Mediterranean (Iberian) and Mediterannean (Italy-MOR), and the coordinators of the regional centres for ongoing formation at DBRC Bangalore, SAFCAM Nairobi, CSFPA Quito, had their world consultation (aka 'consulta') meeting at Mary Help of Christians Centre of Spirituality in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, in the Philippine North Province and the East Asia and Oceania Region from 16-20 February 2019.

This world consultation meeting is convened every two years in order to discuss important themes pertaining to formation. This year, the themes were the following: evaluation of the six year period 2014-2020, the study of Salesian Personal Accompaniment with a view to a manual for the Provincial Formation Delegate and the Provincial Formation Commission; the new reality of formation that goes beyond the individual provinces: structures of animation and governance, joint formation of Salesians and laity, vision and prospects for the future.

The consultation meeting was a great opportunity for exchanging best practices, challenges and offering possibilities for the way forward because of the diversity of views and experiences in the different provinces and regions of our Congregation. Definitely, much good is being done. Commendable are the initiatives done by the Department at the world level. At the same time, there is much also to be improved at the province and regional level. This something ongoing. The regional coordinators and regional formation centres are providing a great service in accompanying the provinces and regions.

The consultation meeting was also a great opportunity for each one to get to know each other as well as the host province and the region.

The way forward is full hope knowing that we want only what is good for the formation of our confreres, our lay partners, and for our young people who are poorest and most in need.

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