Salesian Fathers and Sisters from various provinces across the country participated in the programme, which fostered a vibrant environment of reflection, dialogue, and shared growth. The diversity of participants contributed to meaningful discussions on human formation within the context of consecrated life.

The team of resource persons included Father Ajoy Fernandes SDB, noted psychologist and counsellor; Father Ian Doulton SDB, experienced in spiritual direction and accompaniment; Father Robert Pen, Vice-Provincial of the Mumbai Province; Father Valerian Pereira, an expert on Salesian studies; and Father Banzelao Teixeira, Coordinator for Formation of Salesians in the South Asia region.

The sessions addressed themes such as personal accompaniment, the critical use of media, psycho-sexual development, celibacy and prayer, conflict management, relationship boundaries, addictions, and the integration of affective maturity into religious commitment. Emphasizing that formation is a lifelong journey, facilitators urged participants to continually integrate human, emotional, spiritual, and apostolic dimensions in their vocation.

Participants described the programme as both transformative and deeply relevant. “The training helped us to recognize our woundedness and the need for healing, fostering self-awareness and pastoral sensitivity,” shared Father Lourdusamy SDB from Chennai. Brother Royston Colaco SDB of Mumbai called it “deeply enriching,” while Father Uppan Sunny SDB from Kerala remarked, “The sessions benefited my own formation even more than my ministry of forming others.”

Several Salesian Sisters also voiced gratitude, noting that the sessions “not only formed minds but awakened souls to the beauty of integrated living.” The open and interactive atmosphere, they said, encouraged honest dialogue and deep learning.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to personal integration and pastoral authenticity. Participants left with a collective resolve to bring the fruits of their learning into their daily lives and ministries, as true formation begins where learning meets life.