Ełk, Poland – July 2023 – A formation meeting called "pre-SAO" has taken place at the Salesian St John Bosco Oratory in Ełk, from 8 to 15 July, as part of the third week of the "Summer in the City" summer camp, summarising the year of preparation of young candidates for Salesian leadership. Candidates for leadership from all over the region took part in the event. The meeting was organised by the Youth Ministry Sector of Warsaw FMA Province (PLJ) and the Warsaw SDB Province (PLE). The formation was led by Sister Marzena Lata, FMA, Sister Dorota Polniak, FMA, Maciej Cendrowski, SDB and Andrzej Susła, SDB, with upervision by Szymon Mastalerz SDB. The formation was divided into two parts: practical and reflective. The "pre-SAO" participants joined the groups in the day camps and served as assistant leaders every day, from early morning until early afternoon. Most of them were serving in the Ełk Oratory for the first time, so they had to demonstrate openness and the ability to collaborate with leaders from other towns. And the young people took care of the children not only during games, but also on outings.
The second part of the formation involved group work, discussing with each other on the day of the camp; then Mass was celebrated and the participants spent the evenings getting together and meditating on the Word of God.
The formation session conducted by the Salesian Sisters and young Salesians was based on accompanying the candidates in their challenges, listening to them and supporting them in all their difficulties. Participants who wish to continue their formation will be able to begin the first level of formation at the Oratory Leadership School in their respective institutions next September.
