The formators of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy gathered at Don Bosco Provincial House, Tiruchy, on 20 August 2026 for the dissemination of the fifth edition of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis et Studiorum – The Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
The fifth edition of the Ratio was promulgated by Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major, on 26 January 2026. This date commemorates the willingness and commitment of four boys from the Valdocco Oratory – Rocchietti, Artiglia, Cagliero, and Rua – to follow Don Bosco in a formal institution that would later become known as the Salesian Congregation.
The programme began with prayer, animated by Fr. Jeffery Jegan, SDB, placing the day under God’s guidance. Fr. Victor Anthonyraj, SDB, Vice Provincial, then welcomed the participants. Fr. Doss Kennedy, SDB, Provincial, distributed copies of the new edition of the Ratio and encouraged everyone to study the document carefully in order to understand the mind and vision of the Congregation.
The document was presented in three sessions. The first session was led by Fr. Victor Anthonyraj, SDB. He traced the history of the Ratio, outlining its various editions and the ways in which they have shaped the Congregation’s approach to formation. He then presented the first three chapters, explaining the nature and identity of the Salesian vocation in the Church.
Following the break, Fr. James Sundar Raj, SDB, presented Chapters 4, 10, and 11. Addressing the five dimensions of formation and vocational discernment, he highlighted the importance of accompaniment, as well as the criteria and signs involved in discernment. The session also included group discussions, during which the formators met according to their respective formation houses to reflect on the sections of the Ratio relevant to their contexts.
The third session commenced after lunch and was led by Fr. Dominic Bernatsha, SDB. He presented the remaining chapters of the Ratio. His lively presentation prompted several interventions from the participants, who sought clarification on the new elements introduced in the current edition.
Time was also allotted for a common discussion at the end of the sessions. Fr. Victor Anthonyraj, SDB, thanked everyone for their willingness to participate in the dissemination programme and for their active engagement throughout the day. Fr. Doss Kennedy, SDB, Provincial, concluded the gathering with his closing address. He drew attention to certain contemporary concerns in formation that require immediate consideration and response.
The participants included formators from all the formation houses of the INT Province. Mr.Jude Martin and Mrs.Virgin Lolitta Jude Marin, one of the parents of the formee, were also present and made a valuable contribution by sharing their perspectives and observations.
