Print   

---

Related documents

RMG – Philosophical and pedagogical studies for a unitary vision of the Salesian

Italy – Salesians on practical training discuss evangelisation and Europe

---

(ANS – Rome) – These are the opening words of the letter which Fr Francesco Cereda, Councillor for Formation, has addressed to the young Salesians in practical training on the  occasion of the centenary year of the death of Blessed Michael Rua. It is a letter which refers to  the nature and purpose of this stage of Salesian formation which the first successor of Don Bosco was anxious to introduce.

The period of practical training, placed between the post-novitiate and theological studies for candidates for the priesthood, is a time in which young Salesians are formed to “real practical Salesian lfe.” Fr Cereda mentions how from when this decision was taken “he asked the Rectors of the communities to be like fathers and to take special care of their confreres in practical training.”

Recovering an appreciation of the value of this formation experience and encouraging those in practical training  to live it  “in a joyful and demanding manner,”  are the main aims of this letter.

Fr Cereda continues explaining the historical origins of the period of practical training and the educational and formative reasons which led Don Rua to think of it as a separate stage of the  formation of Salesians. “Before that decision of the Chapter assistance and the practice of the preventive system were undertaken together with theological studies while remaining in the houses. This was a response to the need to remain faithful to the original vision of Don Bosco who wanted his Salesians to be formed among the boys.”

The letter continues presenting the period of practical training as a means for assessing one’s own vocation, of being witnesses to the Salesian charism, of growing in enthusiasm for the  mission and also for learning how to cope with the difficulties which may naturally occur.

The difficulties, such as their relating to the confreres and the young, the organisation of their personal religious life, can find their solution in the accompaniment which the young Salesian can find in the community and in the Province.

Fr Cereda reminds them that their formation  experience will bring them to full maturity only in the context of love: love for God, love for Don Bosco and the young, and love for the community.

The complete  text of the letter is available on the sdb.org site.

Published  25/02/2010