The five day programme began with the inaugural mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB, the Salesian Provincial of Kolkata.
During the opening session Fr. Sunil Kerketta SDB, the vice-provincial and local host-in charge welcomed the resource persons, Fr. Bosco Ponthoken, SDB and Sr. Ritsel D’Almeida, FMA as well as the forty-three participants mostly coming in from the Salesian provinces of India. The participation was also extended to the members of the local religious groups.
As explained by Fr Robert Pen, the Coordinator of SAFC, this workshop is being executed under the aegis of the South Asia Formation Commission, as a part of a series of training manuals for the various stages of initial formation from aspirantate level to those in theology. These six training manuals are based on the original two volumes of “Psychosexual & Celibate Integration” (The Editors: Fr. Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB & Fr. Jose Parappullu SDB).
The workshop consists of 16 sessions based on 'Manual for Aspirantates'. The workshop uses the participatory methodology of presentation by the resource persons followed by group work and common sharing.
Fr. Bijoy Parackal, SDB (INN)