The school is developed following a 5-week program. The first week was held in Valdocco. After an introductory day, participants visited various places in and around Valdocco to trace the historical development of Salesian spirituality as lived by Don Bosco. Instead, the second week began at Don Bosco Hill, where days of guided, silent, and individual retreats take place.
During the third week, school participants are scheduled to visit other places associated with Don Bosco's life and spirituality, tracing his early influences. The fourth week will consist of a series of insights and reflections on spiritual accompaniment. Finally, in the fifth and final week, participants will be equipped with practical skills and have the opportunity to put the Salesian style of Spiritual Accompaniment into practice.
A total of 83 participants have participated in the experience since its inception, all from different regions. The feedback from the participants has been positive, as well as the various initiatives launched in their home Provinces regarding formation in Salesian Spiritual Accompaniment.
The School of Salesian Spiritual Accompaniment is one of the ways of implementing the recommendations contained in the text "Young Salesians and Accompaniment - Orientations and Directives," as well as the fourth program guideline offered by the Rector Major to the entire Congregation after the 28th General Chapter. The urgency of the formation of spiritual leaders had also been expressed in the worldwide survey on Salesian Personal Accompaniment, conducted in 2016, to which some 4,000 Salesians contributed.
The program is facilitated by a team of four Salesians, led by Br. Raymond Callo, SDB, of the Sector for Formation. Several other facilitators - Salesians, religious from other institutes, and also lay people - also offer their contribution for shorter periods.
To best accompany the Salesian School of Spiritual Accompaniment, all Salesians and communities are invited to offer them a prayer.
