Also, the team of seven formators are from five different nations (Australia, Philippines, India, United Kingdom, Tanzania) and there are no less than 28 lecturers (Salesian and non-Salesian) forming the teaching staff of this Salesian Center of Studies. Spiritual directors and Confessors are available among the community members. In the large green compound, you may find also the Salesian cemetery with six confreres who bore witness of their fidelity until death. Behind the property, there is also the agricultural and animal farm that contributes to the sustainability of this large 70+ SDB-strong community.
Salesian Formation is placed at the heart of the Catholic community: very much appreciated is the weekend apostolic outreach for all Salesian theology students reaching out to some 1,500 youth in 23 different locations (parishes, slums, oratories - youth centers, and some youth-at-risk rehabilitation centers), both Salesian or diocesan, close and far from the community. The study center is also open to other 6 religious congregations, for a total number of 123 students of the Theological College.
As in any other Salesian institution, there is room for improvement at Don Bosco Utume, too. The community feels the absence of Salesian Brothers among the formators to complete the one Salesian consecrated vocation with two faces or figures. The stability of the formation staff and lecturers needs also to improve as does the more equal sharing of responsibility to provide formation to personnel from all 10 provinces who are sending their students.
Don Bosco Utume is one of the three larger inter-provincial communities for specific formation - together with Yaoundé, in Camerun, and Lubumbashi, in Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Extraordinary Visitation by Fr Václav Klement, Extraordinary Visitor “ad nutum” and “pro tempore”, on January 22–29, was a good time for community reflection before the annual “Curatorium” of this inter-provincial formation setting, coming soon at the end of this month.
Further information: Website (Study Center) - Facebook Page (Community)
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/14673#sigProId4b3b8a604c