The Formation Delegate of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT), Rev.Fr.Victor Antonyraj, organized a meeting at Don Bosco, Thanjavur, on 11 June 2026 for all the formators of the province. It was a day of animation, sharing, and planning for 29 formators from Post-Novitiate @ Yercaud, Pre-Novitiate @ Dindigul, PHS Aspirantate @ Nettur and Apostolic School Aspirantate @ Thanjavur along with the lay collaborator, Mr. P. Devanesan. The coming together fostered unity among them, ensured continuity in the formation process, and provided an opportunity to reflect together on the challenges and opportunities in formation ministry today.
The day began with a prayer service led by Fr. Emmanuel, Dean of Studies in Thanjavur and warm welcome given by Fr. Suresh Felix, Rector of Don Bosco Aspirantate, Thanjavur.
The resource person, Rev. Fr./Dr. Varan Vardhan, the faculty member of Philosophy at St.Paul’s Seminary, Trichy presented his ideas and insights on the topic: From Hidden to Unknown – Reflections on Formation from Gen Z. He shared how this new generation has placed greater trust in AI than in people physically present around them. He also highlighted from Magnifica Humanitas, the recent encyclical by Pope Leo XIV on the benefits of AI and its challenges for the world of today. Further, Fr. Varan pointed out that Gen Z is not a generation that prefers to hide; rather, it seeks transparency and authenticity. In that sense, they often remain unknown and somewhat mysterious to others, especially to the formators. He highlighted the mysterious presence of God in every generation and in every vocation, referring to the creation story where God was present even amid darkness and chaos before creation.
After the break, the annual formation programmes and other challenges faced by each of the formation houses were presented. Fr. Emmanuel presented about the Aspirantate, Thanjavur; Fr. Arockiaraj shared about the Post Higher Secondary (PHS) Aspirantate at Nettur. Fr. Albert Johnson presented about the Pre-Novitiate at Dindigul and then Fr. James Sundar shared about the Philosophate at Yercaud. The Province Vocation Promoter, Fr. Diravya Rupen, was invited to report about his experiences in the vocation drive and about the vocation camp held in the month of May. Along with these sharing, Fr.Stanely Jayakumar shared about the formation program in Kavarapettai Theologate and Fr.Jeffrey Jegan about the Novitiate at Yellagiri Hills.
The Province Youth Director, Fr. Casmir Raj, came forward to brief about the scope of the youth ministry that will enhance the pastoral activities of the formees. He emphasized the importance of Sunday Oratories as a means for the formees to reach out to young people.
The common discussion was facilitated by Fr. Victor Antonyraj, the Vice Provincial. Several participants shared their reflections on the animation topic and discussed about the common concerns related to formation. The active participation of the formators reflected their keen interest, enthusiastic commitment, and zeal for formation ministry.
Finally, the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Doss Kennedy, addressed the gathering by summarizing the key points that emerged during the meeting. He appreciated and thanked all the confreres for their generosity, availability, and the spirit of sacrifice in carrying out their formation responsibilities in each of the formation houses. He also expressed his unwavering support and closeness to all the formators and formees.
