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English Edition of Fifth Salesian Formation Ratio Released in Shillong

SHILLONG, Aug. 9:

Fr Silvio Roggia, General Councillor for Formation with Fr John Zosiama and Fr Ivo Coelho during the release of the RATIO.

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English Edition of Fifth Salesian Formation Ratio Released in Shillong

10 August 2026

Formation,

News reported by: Mukhim Bivan [ING]

The English edition of the Fifth Salesian Formation Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis et Studiorum(The Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco) was formally released on Sunday at the Provincial House, Shillong, during the RATIO Dissemination-cum-Training Programme for the South Asia Region.

General Councillor for Formation Fr Silvio Roggia SDB released the publication and handed over the first copy to Fr Ivo Coelho SDB, former General Councillor for Formation and Rector of Divyadaan, Nashik. The release was witnessed by Fr John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of Shillong, Formation Delegates from across the South Asia Region and formators participating in the three-day training programme.

Speaking at the release, Fr Roggia described the occasion as a proud moment, particularly because many of those directly involved in Salesian formation in South Asia were present. The release, he said, was “a proud moment for the South Asia Region as a whole.”

Introducing the publication, Fr Banzalao Teixeira SDB, Coordinator of the South Asia Formation Commission, described the release as “a significant moment in the life of our Congregation.” He said the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard SDB, promulgated the Fifth Edition of the Ratio in Rome on January 26, 2026.

Fr Teixeira said the Ratio was “much more than a book,” calling it a guide for the Salesians’ formation journey. It provides fundamental guidelines and directives for formation in Salesian apostolic religious life while keeping formation closely connected to the Congregation’s mission.

He acknowledged the contributions of two successors of Don Bosco who accompanied the revision process. Fr Ángel Fernández Artime SDB initiated the demanding work of updating the Ratio, and Fr Fabio Attard brought it to completion, entrusting the Congregation with its implementation.

“The Ratio is also our book,” Fr Teixeira said, noting that it is the outcome of the work, reflection and contributions of numerous Salesians—young and old, formators and formees—from different parts of the Salesian world. The document, he added, reflects the experience and wisdom of the Congregation across cultures and continents.

Fr Teixeira particularly acknowledged the contribution of Fr Roggia and Fr Coelho, whose years of dedicated service to Salesian formation were closely associated with the preparation of the new Ratio.

Referring to Fr Roggia’s formation ministry, Fr Teixeira highlighted his 19 years of missionary service in West Africa, including Nigeria, and his responsibilities as prenovitiate director, novice master, vice-provincial and Regional Coordinator for Formation. He also praised Fr Roggia’s love for the Congregation, teamwork, intellectual depth and commitment to learning from the Church, the Congregation and the contemporary world.

He also paid tribute to Fr Coelho, recalling his service in formation communities in Nashik and Jerusalem, his tenure as Provincial of Mumbai and his 12 years as General Councillor for Formation. Fr Teixeira highlighted his approach to formation, which respects the formee's freedom while challenging each person to embrace vocation with conviction and responsibility.

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Mukhim Bivan [ING]

News Published by

South Asia Chief Editor

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