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General Councillor for Formation Visits Salesian Houses in Nashik
NASHIK

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General Councillor for Formation Visits Salesian Houses in Nashik

19 August 2025
News written by: Br Angelus Sangma SDB & Fr Jayaseelan SDB

Fr Silvio Roggia, SDB, General Councillor for Formation, made a three-day visit to the two Salesian formation houses in Nashik, Maharashtra — Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy, and STI Novitiate — bringing with him a message of trust, fidelity, and renewal in the Salesian charism.

The visit began on August 16 at Divyadaan, coinciding with the 210th birth anniversary of St John Bosco. Fr. Roggia presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, urging young Salesians and their formators to deepen their commitment to religious life. Drawing from the covenant imagery of the Old Testament, he encouraged them to live faithfully in Don Bosco’s spirit. Later in the day, he held meetings with the formation staff and students of the Licentiate in Philosophy, and concluded with a Goodnight talk, inviting all to move from fear to trust in their vocation.

On August 17, Fr. Roggia celebrated Mass at Don Bosco Parish, Nashik, in the presence of parishioners and religious from nearby communities. Preaching on the fire brought by Christ, he emphasized purification and reverence for God’s Word. At Divyadaan, he engaged with Bachelor of Philosophy students in reflective sessions that centred on their lived experiences of formation. He encouraged them to recognize God’s guidance in their journey and to remain faithful to the Salesian mission. Meeting again with the staff, he offered insights on accompanying young Salesians with empathy and trust.

The evening closed with a festive family circle, where students showcased their talents through dance, music, and song. Introducing the guest, Rector Fr. Robert Pen described Fr. Roggia as a man of missionary depth, intellectual wisdom, and simplicity. In turn, Fr. Roggia shared his own vocational story, recalling how a mistake by his superiors in early formation became a moment of grace, shaping his life’s mission. He left the students with a powerful reminder to go forward with confidence, rooted in God’s grace.

On August 18, Fr. Roggia visited the STI Novitiate. After celebrating the Eucharist and meeting with the formation team and novices, he participated in a family circle of music and dance. Stressing the importance of mutual trust between formators and formees, he concluded his visit with words of encouragement before departing from Nashik.

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