(ANS – São Paolo) – From 23rd to 27th July there were two seminars at the São Paolo inter-provincial theological college on the theme ‘Spiritual accompaniment and vocational discernment’. The meetings, led by Fr Miguel Ángel García Morcuende of the Youth Ministry Department, explored the topic from two perspectives, that of the helper and that of the person being helped.

The first seminar was attended by staff from the Formation houses in Brazil (4 from Belo Horizonte, 2 from Porto Alegre, 1 from Manaus, 4 from Campo Grande, 3 from Recife, 13 from São Paolo and 3 Salesian sisters). The second was attended by about forty Salesians in initial formation, from novitiate to theology.

Various modules were presented with subjects and experiences aimed at greater theoretical and practical understanding of the theme. The formation staff worked in particular at acquiring skills useful for spiritual assistance, such as the dynamic of vocational discernment, guidance of young people and some special problems arising in one-to-one conversations.

The young Salesians reflected on their own experience of guidance and spiritual discernment. They analysed reasons for and benefits of personal accompaniment during vocational choice. They highlighted the importance of trust, availability and support and incentives for vocational development. Attention was also given to some of the elements of Don Bosco’s pedagogy related to a positive ministry of accompaniment.

Published 3/8/2012