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Bengaluru, September 25

Formators Deepen Understanding of Affective Maturity and Psychosexual Integration

27 September 2026

Animation, Formation, SPCSA,

News reported by: Fr Banzelao Teixeira SDB

The Formation Commission of the Salesians of the South Asia Region organised a four-day training programme on Affective Maturity and Psychosexual Integration for Formators from September 22 to 25 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bengaluru.

The programme brought together 30 formators from various religious congregations, including the Salesians, to deepen their personal integration and strengthen their capacity to accompany formees in human, emotional and spiritual growth.

Fr Jose Kuttianimathil, Fr Banzelao Teixeira, Fr Joe Kokkandathil, and Sr Berni Joseph animated the sessions, addressing various dimensions of affective maturity, human sexuality, emotional integration, and pastoral accompaniment. The Salesians of the Bangalore Province hosted the programme under the guidance of Fr Shalbin K., Vice-Provincial.

A key emphasis throughout the programme was that self-awareness and self-acceptance are foundational to human maturity. Participants were encouraged to acknowledge their sexuality, emotions, wounds, limitations and personal struggles. The recurring insight, “Heal yourself so as to heal others,” underscored the need for formators to attend to unresolved experiences as part of their ministry of accompaniment.

The programme also sought to foster a positive and integrated understanding of human sexuality as a sacred gift from God. Participants were encouraged to move beyond fear, inhibition and confusion towards a responsible and mature approach to sexuality and relationships. Sessions on emotional awareness and affective maturity explored how to cultivate healthy relationships, including living out celibate friendships responsibly.

Particular attention focused on healthy boundaries and professional ethics in pastoral accompaniment. Participants reflected on the dynamics of the helper–helped relationship and the responsibilities involved in accompanying young people, particularly within the context of formation.

The training also provided an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Participants acknowledged that effective formation begins with the formator’s own ongoing journey of formation and healing. They recognised the need to become more self-aware, address emotional challenges consciously, and cultivate relationships marked by openness, respect and compassion.

The programme further encouraged formators to become more comfortable and responsible in addressing questions related to sexuality and to accompany formees with greater understanding and sensitivity. Participants expressed a desire to make love the foundation of formation, creating environments where young people feel safe to express themselves, address struggles, and grow towards human and spiritual maturity.

The training ultimately invited formators to move beyond simply “forming others” toward being continually formed and transformed themselves. Participants noted that their own healing, maturity, and capacity to love are essential to credible and effective accompaniment.