Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo - October 2023 - On Sunday 29 October, feast of Blessed Michael Rua, the first meeting of the Salesian practical trainees from the Province of Central Africa (AFC), South Zone, was held. The meeting was held at the Salesian Maison Safina cultural centre, under the guidance of their companion, Fr Dieudonné Besa. The day began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr Tryphon Kalimira, AFC Vice-Provincial. This celebration was followed by a formative moment focused on "The educative and pastoral experience during the practical trainee period", and "The practical trainee's evaluation criteria". It should be noted that all these topics invite the practical trainee to become aware of his charismatic identity in order to acquire a balanced vocational maturity. The Vice-Provincial, being primarily responsible for Formation and Religious Discipline, also addressed a word of encouragement to the Salesians in formation. And in the spirit of "living together" and consolidating friendship and fraternity, the day also included time for a fraternal agape. Thus, the day ended on a high note with the active participation of 17 practical trainees (from the Lubumbashi-South area) and 3 companions.