4831(I)_Interprovincial cooperation in formation sector grows in quality
Coming together to accompany - Curatorium meetings 2018 in Manila
August 26, 2018
Paranaque, the Philippines, 24 August 2018 -- During two days of August 23-24 were held in Paranaque (Metro Manila, Philippines - FIN province) a series of formation Curatorium meetings about formation of all formation houses in the country, that are since the early days international. With the increasing participation of more provinces the need of Curatorium meeting (SDB Ratio Formation, n. 300) was felt more strongly. At present there are 48 SDB students in the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco and 19 Salesian Brothers in the Sandor community in Paranaque, 5 prenovices in Canlubang, 10 prenovices in Lawaan, 11 novices in Lawaan and 16 postnovices in Canlubang.
On the 23rd August the Curatorium of the two formation houses and Theology study center (DBCS)in Paranaque (Manila) brought together the 22 formators and superiors (or their delegates) from the following 9 EAO provinces: CIN, FIN, FIS, INA, KOR, MYM, PGS, THA, VIE with the delegation of Cambodia (THA) and Pakistan (FIS). For the first time participated also three Salesians from 3 different regions: Central-North Europe - UNG (Hungary) - Br. Geza Nadudvari (provincial economer), Africa-Madagascar - AET (Ethiopia) - Br. Efren Umandal and from South Asia region - (INB) India-Mumbai the provincial, Fr. Godfrey D'Souza. The participants appreciated especially the first presence and active contribution of the South Asia provincial in the Curatorium.
On the 24th August met the formators and superiors (of their delegates) from CIN, FIN, FIS, (MYM), PGS, THA - Cambodia delegation in the Manila-Makati provincial house for another Curatorium meeting about the four initial formation houses - Canlubang Prenovitiate and Postnovitiate (FIN) and Lawaan-Cebu Prenovitiate and Postnovitiate (FIS). This was the first historical encounter including the drafting of the Curatorium Agreement, common for all 4 houses of formation caring for the first stages of initial formation from the prenovitiate until postnovitiate.
Curatorium means taking effective part in determination of formation plan and ensuring the necessary conditions (personnel, structures, funds) for a quality initial formation. Since the formation of formators is our top priority, each meeting dedicated first part to joint reflection and sharing - about spiritual accompaniment (Paranaque) and about discernment of two forms of Salesian vocation (Canlubang - Lawaan). After reports from all formation houses follows the discussion about emerging themes for a better quality formation.
This time were discussed the themes of common criteria for English as common langauge of formation (TOEFL B1 level for Paranaque specific formation and specific English textbook for the two inter-provincial prenovitiates) and other preparation for the first initial stage of formation. Quality accompaniment of our candidates.
In the afternoon (August 23), the provincials, delegates and representatives of the different provinces met in order to make decisions regarding several requests made by the three communities of Paranaque (financial matters included). Then Fr. Dindo Vitug (FIN) also presented the plan for the Don Bosco TVET ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which aims to fund and to build networks among the 34 different Don Bosco training centers in the 7 ASEAN countries. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the upcoming EAO regional timetable ,which included the next Curatorium meetings in Manila, on August 21- 22, 2019.
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