Salesian Formation is the process of training individuals to live according to the spirituality and mission of St. John Bosco. It involves several stages:
- Aspirancy – Initial discernment of vocation.
- Pre-novitiate – Deeper spiritual and community life preparation.
- Novitiate – One year of intense spiritual formation, ending with first religious vows.
- Post-novitiate – Theological and philosophical studies.
- Practical Training – Hands-on experience working with youth.
- Perpetual Profession & Theological Studies – Final commitment and priestly preparation (if applicable).
- Ongoing Formation – Lifelong spiritual and pastoral development.
Salesians serve as priests or brothers, dedicated to youth through education and evangelization, following Don Bosco’s Preventive System of Reason, Religion, and Loving-kindness.
OUR TEAM
Fr. Arul Maran SDB
Fr. Victor Antonyraj SDB
Fr. Suresh Felix SDB
Fr. Bernatsha Dominic SDB
Fr. Stanley Jeyakumar SDB
Fr. Jeffery Jegan Albert SDB
Fr. Antonisamy Arockiadoss SDB
Mr. Devanesan
REPORTS
Formation Sector Meeting – 6th July 2024
The Formation Sector Meeting was held at Retreat – Don Bosco,
Yercaud, with 25 Salesians in attendance. The meeting was led by Fr. Maran and included Fr. Agilan (Provincial) and Fr. Xavier Michael (Vice Provincial).
Session on Cyber Age and Formation Ministry
Br. Paulraj, former Provincial and Novice Master, animated the members on the topic “Cyber Age and Formation Ministry: Implications for a Holistic Formation and Human Well-being.” He covered key aspects such as the challenges of formation ministry, digital media influence, and practical implications for holistic growth.
Reports from Formation Houses
Each formation house presented its annual plan and challenges:
- Aspirantate (Thanjavur): English, music coaching, and counselling were key areas of focus. A need for an assessment system before Pre-Novitiate was discussed.
- Nettur: With only two candidates, focus was on English, music, and Salesian traditions. A transition plan to Tiruppattur was suggested.
- Pre-Novitiate: 24 candidates, engaging in village exposure, folk arts training, oratories, and monthly counselling.
- Post-Novitiate: 26 brothers faced language struggles in both English and Tamil. Need for motivation and reading habits was highlighted.
- Theologate (Kaverapetai): 61 Salesians; emphasis on encouraging library usage.
- Novitiate: 21 novices with good English skills. Oratories had not yet begun.
- Formation Syllabus: The meeting approved a proposal to implement Oxford English Learning textbooks for structured English training.
Provincial’s Address
Fr. Agilan emphasized the importance of spiritual direction and counselling for the brothers, ensuring they receive the necessary support. He stressed that formation is not just about syllabus and curriculum but also about setting a good example through the formators’ lives.
Psycho-Sexual Integration for Young Salesians (2-3 August 2024)
An animation session on Psycho-Sexual Integration was conducted by Fr. Bernatsha for young Salesians in Practical Training and College Studies. The session provided techniques for maturity and spiritual growth. Group discussions helped participants understand and address psycho-sexual challenges.
Live-in & Interaction with Vicar of the Rector Major (4 August 2024)
Formees from various houses gathered at Don Bosco Thanjavur for a live-in experience during the Vicar’s visit. The event helped aspirants, especially XII-standard students, learn about Pre-Novitiate life, motivating them to continue their Salesian journey.
Formation of Formators
A joint animation session on “Salesian Formation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” was conducted for formators of both the INT and INM Provinces. Best practices and challenges in formation were discussed, coordinated by Fr. John Alexander.
Missionary Animation & Live-in Experience
Formees from INT and INM provinces gathered at Don Bosco, Tirupattur, for missionary animation. The event included group discussions, football matches, campfires, and input sessions, fostering missionary vocations among young Salesians.
Formation Commission – Events & Programs (2024–2025)
- Sector Meeting
- Venue: The Retreat, Yercaud
- Level: Province
- Date: 06 July 2024
- Participants: 25
- Impact: Input session on Cyber Age & Formation Ministry, creating awareness on holistic formation & human well-being.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Social Experience
- Animation for Young Salesians on Psycho-Sexual Integration (PT & CS Phase)
- Venue: The Retreat, Yercaud
- Level: Province
- Date: 02 August 2024
- Participants: 40
- Impact: Created awareness on understanding sexual feelings & emotions and achieving psycho-sexual integration.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Education & Culture
- Live-in for Pre-novices & Aspirants and Interaction with the Vicar of the Rector Major
- Venue: Don Bosco, Thanjavur
- Level: Province
- Date: 04 August 2024
- Participants: 70
- Impact: Enhanced interaction and rapport among pre-novices and aspirants.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Social Experience
- Formation of Formators
- Venue: Don Bosco, Tirupattur
- Level: Inter-Province
- Date: 03 November 2024
- Participants: 45 (Including 10 INT)
- Impact: Discussed Salesian Formation in the Age of AI, best practices, and challenges.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Education & Culture
- Seminar on Psycho-Sexual Integration for Post-Novitiate Phase
- Venue: Don Bosco Provincial House, Bengaluru
- Level: SPCSA
- Date: 06–10 November 2024
- Participants: 36 (Including 2 INT)
- Impact: Training for formators to guide post-novitiate formees on psycho-sexual integration.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Education & Culture
- Football Tournament between Formees
- Venue: Don Bosco, Tirupattur
- Level: Inter-Province
- Date: 23 November 2024
- Participants: 160 (Including 61 INT)
- Impact: Encouraged interaction and talent exhibition through football.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Group Experience
- Live-in & Missionary Animation for Formees
- Venue: Don Bosco, Tirupattur
- Level: Inter-Province
- Date: 23–24 November 2024
- Participants: 300 (Including 61 INT)
- Impact: Strengthened community experience and encouraged missionary vocation.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Social Experience
- Animation of INT Leaders on Psycho-Sexual Integration (PT & CS Phase)
- Venue: Don Bosco Media Centre, Manikandam
- Level: Province
- Date: 15–16 March 2025
- Participants: 35
- Impact: Training for leaders to guide young Salesians in PT & CS Phase.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Education & Culture
- Competitions on “The Dream” for Formees
- Level: Province
- Date: January 2025
- Participants: 90
- Impact: Unable to conduct the program.
- Youth Ministry Dimension: Education & Culture
Upcoming Formation Programs & Meetings
- 22 June – Nettur (Province)
- Program: Sector Meeting
- Participants: All formators
- July – Province
- Program: Psycho-Sexual Integration Animation for Young Salesians
- Participants: All young Salesians in PT & CS
- September – Yercaud (Inter Congregation)
- Program: Inter-Congregational Formators’ Interaction on Challenges & Way Forward
- Participants: Formators from different religious congregations
- 18-19 October – Dindigul (Province)
- Program: Live-in of Aspirants & PHS with Prenovices
- Participants: All formees in three formation houses
- 5-9 November – Pune (Regional – SPCSA)
- Program: Psycho-Sexual Integration Seminar for PT / CS Phase
- Participants: Few representatives from INT Province
- February 2026 – DBPH (Province)
- Program: Psycho-Sexual Integration Seminar Dissemination for Rectors / Leaders
- Participants: All Rectors / Leaders
