FIN Province, 23 March 2021 -- A year into the lockdown caused by the CoVid-19 pandemic, the Practical Trainees of the Philippines- North Province, (FIN), through the guidance of the Commission on Formation, did not see this as a hindrance to continue their growth and development as Salesians of Don Bosco.

Though they were not able to gather in person, they were able to harness the power of online meeting applications, in particular Zoom videoconferencing, to hold their online Formation Encounter from March 16 to 18, 2021.

The theme of the online seminar was Spirituality, Salesianity, and Sanity. The first topic was on Praying with St. Francis de Sales, given by Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB. The second one was on Young Salesians and Accompaniment, given by Br. Raymond Callo, SDB. The last topic was on Safeguarding Mental Health in the Time of Digital Workspace/Education Space, given by Dr. Teresita Martinez, MD.

More than the crucial inputs, which were well-received by the brothers owing to its relevance especially in this time of the pandemic, this online gathering makes its mark in the history of the Province, for not only did this prove that updating and development of the young Salesians can and must continue despite existing limitations and constraints, but it also paves the way for the ‘new normal’ of Formation: from here on, formands can now be followed up and checked upon with more regularity, as well as have their issues and concerns dealt with in a faster and more efficient manner now that traditional face-to-face seminars can be complemented by these online fora.