Second EAO Salesian Study Seminar Workshop - 

Don Bosco and his Pedagogy

By Br. Bernardinus Mei, SDB

Manila, the Philipppines, 12 May 2018 -- Last three weeks were for us, 44 participants of the second EAO Salesian Study Seminar Workshop, was a wonderful opportunity to explore the heart of Don Bosco Educator. Under the guidance and assistance of the Paranaque Don Bosco Center of Studies Vice-Dean Fr. Francis Gustilo we were able to touch the heart of our Father and Founder.

Ten of the 11 EAO provinces were present (missing only AUL), including the participants from Mongolia, Indonesia and Cambodia Delegations. Some of us already participated during the first Seminar Workshop in 2017 and the positive response attracted more SDB and Lay people. We were enrich and inspired by the presence of the largest Lay Mission Partners group from Thailand (with their own simultaneous interpretation - Mr. Adool) and we appreciated also the encouraging presence of their provincial Fr. John Bosco Theparat during the first week. Another 4 lay mission partners from Papua New Guinea (including one Salesian Cooperator), Lay and Salesian Cooperators from FIS province. The variety of cultures was highlighted by the presence of Fr. Nathaniel from Nigeria (AFO Province) and this year the largest contingent of 9 Salesians from Vietnam - Mongolia province.

The careful preparation and assistance by the organizers from DBCS - Rinaldi community - was very much appreciated. On the weekends was organized outing to the historical center of Manila and knowledge of some Salesian settings in the Philipppines capital.

The presence of Fr. Klement amongst us (May 10) was an inspiration and eye-opener and good chance of interaction. In his brief ecouragement our EAO Regional Councilor shared

• The result of the world-wide survey about the 'Spiritual accompaniment of young Salesians' (UPS - Rome, 2018): It's rather interesting that compared to other six SDB regions, our EAO confreres are sustained in their vocation more by the personal knowledge of Don Bosco and the Constitutions (1st - 70%).
• The present scheme of 3 years Salesian Studies Workshop may follow the model of Quito (Ecuador) Inter-regional ongoing formation center. Since 1974 the Latin American Salesians developed Salesianity workshop level 1, 2, 3 (three weeks in Quito every year) concluded with level 4 as one month long pilgrimage in the Holy Places of Don Bosco in Piedmont - Italy.
• The expected fruits of these Salesian study workshops is to form a new generation of Salesians and Lay Mission Partners who would become slowly Salesianity formators for the younger SDB generations and other Salesian Family members and Mission Partners.

We return to our home province with some conrete fruits of ready-to-use moduls for Salesian pedagogy formation (practical trainees, Salesian Cooperators, SYM or teachers in our schools), with the Diploma and strong desire to come together again for the 2019 course in Paranaque!

Related articles:

• AustraLasia 4679: SDB and Lay Mission Partners explore Don Bosco's Pedagogy

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