By Br Raymond Callo, SDB
This world consulta meeting is convened every two years to discuss important themes pertaining to formation. This year, the themes were the following: evaluation of the sexennium (2014-2020), the study of Salesian Personal Accompaniment, towards a manual of the Provincial Formation Delegate and the Provincial Formation Commission, the new reality of formation that goes beyond the individual provinces: structures of animation and governance, joint formation of Salesians and laity, vision and prospects for the future.
The consulta meeting was a great opportunity for exchanging best practices, challenges and offering possibilities for the way forward because of the diversity of views and experiences in the different provinces and regions of our congregation. Definitely, much good is being done. Commendable are the initiatives done by the Department at the world level. At the same time, there is much also to be improved at the province and regional level. This is something ongoing. The regional coordinators and regional centers for formation are offering a great service in accompanying the provinces and regions.
The consulta meeting was also a great opportunity for each participant to get to know each other, as well as the host province and the region itself.
The way forward is full of hope, knowing that we want only what is good for the formation of our confreres, our lay partners, and for our young people who are poorest and most in need.