4567(I)_Formation of Pre-Novice Directors from EAO and South Asia Region

Second Part (23-27 November 2017)

November 29, 2017

By Bro. Raymond D. Callo, SDB

Cebu, the Philippines, 27 November 2017 -- The second part of the formators’ course for the pre-novice directors started with a cultural and Salesian immersion. The participants went to visit the Ferdinand Magellan’s cross which was planted at the spot where they landed. It is the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. Then they paid homage to the Sto. Nino (the Infant Jesus). After the visit to Minore Basilica of the Sto Nino, the participants proceeded to the Costabella resort for lunch and some rest and recreation along the beach. They also visited the world class guitar factories of Cebu. The day ended with dinner and program at Don Bosco Pasil situated right at the center of a very poor community. It was a fitting conclusion to the day wherein the formators had time to interact with the confreres of the FIS province and with the young people.

The next few days saw us back in the conference hall for the second part of the serious formation sessions. The topics covered during the four days are:

• 24 November (Friday): Skills for accompaniment: counseling – Fr. Chito Dimaranan (FIN)
• 25 November (Saturday): Skills for accompaniment: spiritual direction and discernment– Bro. Mon Callo (FIN)
• 26 November (Sunday): Recollection and Personal Integration – Fr. Thomas Mulayinkal (IND)
  Formation Designing – Bro. Mon Callo, SDB (FIN)
• 27 November (Monday): Teamwork in Formation (Communication). Fr. Fidel Orendain (FIS)
  Other concerns regarding the Pre-Novitiate Program; Evaluation
  Closing and Farewell Program

The formation course was highly appreciated by the participants as well as by the facilitators themselves. There was a great spirit of fraternity among themselves.

There were some recommendations to the Formation Department regarding the Pre-novitiate formation that is not very much emphasized in our FSDB (Ratio) such as the value of Sacred Scriptures and manual work. Two values that is invaluable in our life and formation.

It was also recommended that the Formation Department continue the process of preparing formators for Formation.

On the part of the pre-novice directors, it was resolved that they also share their experiences with their co-formators as well as to guide the provincial and his council in the process of reflection regarding this important stage of our formation.

As one formator said, the Pre-novitiate stage of formation is very important because it is the novitiate of human formation. It is also in initial formation that the Salesian charism is transmitted to the members.

All in all, the formators’ course was a great experience of learning and fraternity. It is was also a fantastic experience of Salesian Filipino hospitality coming from the FIS (Philippine South) Province.