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South Asia Formation Commission Reviews Regional Formation Challenges in Shillong

Shillong, Meghalaya

Rev. Fr Silvio Roggia SDB, General Councillor for Formation along with the SAFC members at Shillong.

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South Asia Formation Commission Reviews Regional Formation Challenges in Shillong

13 August 2026

Formation,

News reported by: Mukhim Bivan [ING]

The South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC) met at Don Bosco Provincial House, Shillong, on August 12 and 13 to review its formation action plan, address emerging challenges and develop a contextualised Regional Formation Plan for South Asia.

The two-day meeting brought together SAFC members for reflection, discussion and planning on key aspects of Salesian formation and youth ministry in the region. The deliberations covered the 2025–2026 Action Plan, emerging challenges in formation, ecological consciousness among Salesians, the dissemination of the Ratio Fundamentalis, and priorities for formation and youth ministry.

Opening the meeting, Fr Silvio Roggia SDB, General Councillor for Formation, underlined the importance of understanding the specific context of formation across South Asia. With a touch of humour, he observed that “after Adam and Eve, the SAFC members are the first to discuss the context of formation situations and how the context fits the region.”

Fr Silvio also highlighted concerns regarding the faith life of candidates and the challenges confronting formation in the region. He stressed that formation cannot be considered apart from the social, cultural and ecclesial realities in which young Salesians live and carry out their ministry.

Calling for a contextualised approach, the General Councillor urged the commission to take into account the diversity of South Asia while planning and implementing formation initiatives. He emphasised that formation processes need to respond realistically to the region's circumstances and needs while remaining faithful to the Congregation's mission and charism.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess progress, identify concerns and establish priorities for the coming years. A dedicated session focused on preparing a five-year programme for the SAFC and addressing related matters, followed by an evaluation of the meeting and a vote of thanks.

The deliberations in Shillong are expected to contribute to a more relevant, contextualised and responsive approach to Salesian formation in South Asia, with clearer priorities that strengthen formation processes in harmony with the realities of the region and the mission of the Congregation.

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Mukhim Bivan [ING]

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South Asia Chief Editor

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