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DOCUMENT 3
FORMATION
TO
SALESIAN LIFE
12
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SUMMARY
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
n.
240
Part 1 UNITY OF FORMATION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Premises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Unity of formation in contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Unity of formation in the community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Unity of formation in decentralization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Unitv of formation in contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Unity of formation in the comniunity ...........................
2.3 Unity of formation in decentralization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Deliberations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
241-250
242-246
244
245
246
247-250
247
248-249
250
251-261
Part 2 PHASES OF FORMATION . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Premises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Continuity and equality of basic formation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Aspects of the formation process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
262-306
262-264
262-263
264
1. Period of maturation in vocation up to perpetual profession. . . . .
1.1 Immediate preparation for novitiate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Novitiate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Period of temporary vows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.1 Immediate postnovitiate .....................................
1.3.2 Tirocinium .................................................
1.3.3 Immediate preparation for perpetual profession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Specific preparation of the salesian priest and brother. . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Formation of the salesian priest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Formation ofthe salesian brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
265-291
265-270
271-277
278-291
279-284
285-289
290-291
292-306
292-298
299-306
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Part 3 ONGOING FORMATION... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
l. Present situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Lines of reflection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Concept of ongoing formation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Reasons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 The subject. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 Areas of ongoing formation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Practical directives
.....................................
3.1 Criteria of organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Responsibility at various levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Lines of action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307-342
307
308-313
308
309-310
311
312
313
314-342
314-317
318-320
321-325
326-342
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FORMATION
TO SALESIAN LIFE
INTRODUCTION
240 Taking as a whole the evaluation done by the provincial chapters
especially regarding the central theme on evangelization, the urgen-
cy of special attention to formation has arisen. For this reason the
GC2! has deemed it well to examine formation to ascertain with
accuracy how and to what degree the desired renewal proposed by
the SGC has been achieved,l and to take the necessary and oppor-
tune measures so that this renewal may proceed with security and
new impetus.
The GC2! therefore, given its practical and evaluative character,
rather than bring forth doctrinal formulations on formation-alrea-
dy sufficiently expressed in the SGC-intends to examine the urgent
problems which have arisen in the application of the Constitutions,
the renewed Regulations, and the ASGC.
Weighing the proposals received from the provinces, examining the
Report of the Rector Major on the State of the Congregation, study-
ing the official documents of the Department for Formation, it ap-
pears with a certain clarity, that the points which have received
specification and practical suggestions may be clustered about these
three areas:
- unity of formation in this phase of decentralization;
- the role and characteristic of each phase of the formative pro-
cess;
- ongoing formation of salesians.
In this study on formation, the Chapter intends to treat both the
formation of the salesian. priest and that of the salesian brother
under the aspects where this formation is the same and also under
those where it is diverse.
1 Cf ASC 283, p. 5.
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PART 1
UNITY OF FORMATION
The principal problems regarding the general aspects of salesian 241
formation converge significantly in the theme of unity in relation-
ship to content, the formative community, and decentralization.2 It
should be noted that unity of formation is the condition, instrument,
and guarantee of the unity of the Congregation.3 The GC21 there-
fore, in its effort to verify, intends to give this issue special attention
not in the totality of its aspects, but in those which have greater need
of attention and care; the subject (of salesian formation) marks a
point of convergence in much of the expectation in the Congregation
todav.4
Decentralization as willed by the SGC preserves all its value. To
emphasize unity therefore does not indicate forgetfulness of decen-
tralization. Unity is in fact realized today in decentralization, and a
genuine process of decentralization implies an explicit and concrete
obligation of unity.s Logically, this principle is valid also for for-
mation.
1. PREMISES
This Chapter observes that all formation tends to the development of 242
the vocational identity of salesians. It emphasizes further that for-
mation implants the roots of unity in that vocational identity. Aside
from legitimate socio-cultural differences, it constitutes the essential
unity and most profound reality of the Congregation.6
This essential unity or salesian vocational identity finds its chief lines
traced in the following elements:
2 Cf Sch Precap 444-447; 460-463; 482-487; RRM 143-144; RDF p. 13.
3 Cf Canst 99; ASGC 659.
4 Cf Sch Precap 445-447, 428; RRM 143; RDF p. 15.
5 Cf ASC 272, p. 6.
6 ASC 272, p. 6.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
- The living presence among us of the Lord and his Spirit which
moves us today to reactualize that continuing gift begun in Don
Bosco; 7
- The mission entrusted to us by the Church;8
- The contents of "salesian spirit"; 9
- An original plan of evangelical life; 10
- A specific priestly and lay salesian identity; 11
- A special community dimension in the family spirit; 12
- A mode of apostolic presence: "The preventive system."13
These aspects in their turn are harmoniously unified in the mission
which the Holy Spirit has given us through Don Bosco. In reality
this mission specifies the task we have in the Church. It makes us
sharers in the same mission of Christ, Apostle of the Father.14
Unity of formation stands in strict relationship with the phases of
formation and continuing formation. In fact it represents the pro-
found reality underlying the continuity of the various phases of
formation and the whole harmonious process of continuing forma-
tion.
243 At the same time we affirm that unity of formation and the principle
of continuing formation enrich one another. Nonetheless, in this
part of our presentation we direct our attention principally to the
initial phases of formation, since these reflect the problems placed in
relief by the provincial chapters, and also -because they offer special
formative characteristics which do not recur.
1.1 Unity of formation in contents
244 We, the Salesians of Don Bosco form a community which realizes
one single vocation in priestly and lay form. IS The nature of this
vocation, specified by the values of religious consecration, the fra-
7 ASGC 1-22.
8 ASGC 23-57.
9 ASGC 85-105.
10 ASGC 106-127.
11 Canst 36-37; ASGC 140-150.
12 ASC 272, p. 10; ASGC 84, 481-503.
13 Canst 25; ASGC 58-84,93,360,365.
14 Cf Canst 2-3, 49, 4; ASGC 26; Sch Precap 459.
15 Cf Canst 2.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
183
ternal community and the apostolic mission, determines the cha-
racteristic and unified orientation of our formation within the
bounds of its contents. 16
Human maturation and intellectual and professional preparation,
deepening of the religious life, and a gradual insertion into the apo-
stolate are factors which formation harmonizes as a vital unity,
giving them life in the light of the person of Christ, the model who
inspires US.17
The gospel of Christ, therefore, seen in the style and in the spirit of
Don Bosco, constitutes salesianity. It represents the unifying ele-
ment of the contents of our identity which permits us to prepare and
form ourselves as authentic salesian educators and pastors.18
1.2 Unity of formation in the community
A formative community is truly such 19when it incarnates our sale- 245
sian identity in the reality of persons. Unity of the formative com-
munity is therefore a necessary factor for the communication of the
values of the vital unity of our vocation. In fact it is the life of the
community united in Christ through the Spirit20 which forms.
The local formative community is in strict relationship with the
provincial community, which is itself "formative."21 Formation, in
effect, is the "result of the harmonious action of all the confreres,
both of the local and of the provincial community. ,,22
Vocational identity in built on the one hand through the contribution
of all the members of the formative community and on the other
through the diversity of their functions.23 The dynamic flow of
personal maturation through community growth in the values of
salesianity24 merits special attention. Such growth becomes poss-
ible through that homelike climate of enriching communication
characteristic of the salesian spirit.25
16 Cf Const 3, 100.
17 Cf Const 101.
18 Cf Const 41, 49, 101; ASGC 661-672.
19 Cf requirements for formation community
20 Cf Const 99, 104; ASGC 680a; Reg 78.
21 Cf Reg 89.
22 ASGC 672.
23 Cf Const 54.
24 Cf Const 52.
2S Cf Const 50, 53.
in n. 251 and in Reg 73(b).
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
Unity of formation is assured in the community when as a "family
unit~d in mutual trust and in the marshalling of its powers,"26 it has ~
harmonious formation team of priests and brothers and a serene,
constructive rapport between the team and those in formation.27
The rector has principal responsibility as the animator and unifier
of formation in this community.
The GC21 reaffirms the determining role of the personal and com-
munity participation of those in formation in building the formative
community,29 and at the same time the Chapter also emphasizes the
indispensable function of those who form and the special need of
their influence. In reality, the best descriptions of our salesian
identity would amount to nothing if this were not given testimony in
practice by the principal animators of the formative community.
1.3 Unity of formation in decentralization
246 Decentralization as the adequate distribution of responsibility for
governing at various levels3° is the concretization in the area of
structures of the fundamental principle of subsidiarity and pluri-
formity.3!
In the structures of salesian formation decentralization has assigned
new and important responsibilities within the local,32 provincial,33
and interprovincial spheres.34
Local structures of formation, because they are decentralized, can
adapt more easilv to the diverse cultures of the distinct regions.
Thus they serve the pluriformity of modes of living the one salesian
vocation.35
But decentralized structures must contribute to the unity of forma-
tion. It is in fact a case of making the salesians in every region grow
in the single and united salesian vocation: modes of cultural ex-
pression are pluriform, but the salesian plan of life is one.36
26 Cf Const 105.
27 Cf ASGC 683-686.
28 Cf ASGC 678.
29 Cf ASGC 680, 683.
30 Cf Const 127.
31 Cf ASGC 137, 139,706.
32 Cf Reg 85.
33 Cf Const 106.
34 Cf Reg 130, 2.
35 Cf ASGC 139, 665.
36 Cf ASGC 272, p. 11; ASC 276, p. 66.
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185
2. SITUATION
2.1 Unity of formation in contents
The rapid changes which have come about in the Church and in 247
culture in recent years are reflected inevitably in the area of forma-
tion. The Congregation, after the SGC, has made a notable effort to
find new solutions which will guarantee the wholeness of the con-
tents of formation in view of the unity of the salesian vocation. It is
not difficult nonetheless to understand that the results have not yet
reached desired levels.
One of the most felt problems referred to by numerous provincial
chapters3? is without doubt the weakening and at times even the
absence of contents typically salesian in formation. This lack, ac-
centuated at times by the need for structures of formation suitable to
the exigencies of diverse places and cultures, has produced a sense
of excessive genericism, sometimes risking the loss of salesian
identity.
In particular the following weaknesses result:
- a partial forgetfulness of the sources of salesian spirituality;
- studies, besides suffering an insufficient substance and syste-
matization, often are not unified under a salesian dimension;
- salesian pedagogical and catechetical preparation is poor, with
repercussions in our apostolic undertakings;
- the formative surroundings are negatively influenced by the ge-
neral weakness of sacramental life and the life of prayer; 38
- specific contents for the formation of the salesian priest and of
the salesian brother are missing;
- the theology of religious life is insufficiently known.
2.2 Unity of formation in the community
The precapitular schemes, the report of the Rector Major and of the 248
Department for Formation, and also the reflections of the GC21
itself, show that in this period of the past six years there has been an
attempt in different places to create formative communities along
the lines foreseen by the SGC and the Constitutions and Regulations.
37 Cf Sch Precap 483.
38 Cf RRM 80.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
In these communities a team of formation personnel has been de-
termined. There has also been a growth of coresponsibility, of
dialog, and of fr~ternallife. An adequate opening and a suitable
flexibility have been possible to realize. A thirst for salesianity has
arisen. . In most cases these formative communities have given, in
the midst of the provinces, top rate witness.
249 Nonetheless, the evaluation points also to negative signs. "Too
often the impetus is not given to constitute authentic and specific
formative communities with clarity of scope, a sufficient number of
formation personnel, and adequate means of formation."39 This
often arises from an inadequate interpretation of Constitutions art.
105 and art. 81 of the Regulations.
The difficulty of finding confreres suited to the task of working in
formation is common throughout the Congregation. It is not rare to
see teachers who forget their formative responsibilities. In certain
other cases we see them involved in real crises or indulging in placing
ideologies before faith. The training or retraining of formation
personnel is not always given priority in provincial planning.40
On the other hand, in some places, due to an inexact understanding
of the family spirit and of the meaning of participation, the need for
those who form and that of authority have been called in question.41
The subject becomes even more sensitive when it refers to the rector
in his capacity of advancing true spiritual direction. In general" a
tragic lack of masters and guides of the spirit is noted"42 with serious
repercussions even in the initial phases of formation.43
Finally, the lack of due rapport between the life of the local forma-
tive community and that of the provincial community creates at
times a dangerous disorientation at the moment of passage from one
to another.
The absence of salesian brothers among the formation personnel in
the formative communities must also be lamented.
39 RDF p. 14.
40 RDF p. 14.
41 RDF p. 14.
42 RDF p. 15.
43 Cf ASGC 678c.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
187
2.3 Unity of formation in decentralization
At provincial level,
250
one notes an incipient assumption of local responsibility, but in
various provinces priority is not given to this sector as appears from
the unfinished or unsatisfactory Formation Directories and, as a
consequence, from the fragmentary and unstable initiatives at the
level of new structures, programs, and development of formation
personnel.
At interprovincial level,
aside from interesting initiatives of collaboration, one may also find
difficulties between the various provinces in settling together pro-
blems of formation which they cannot handle separately. At times
intermediate structures such as provincial conferences or boards of
trustees have not functioned, as for example, a collegial system of
collaboration between an interprovincial studentate and the pro-
vinces which support it.
At world level,
one is aware of the need for greater clarification of the role of the
Department for Formation and the necessity of more specific gui-
delines particularly as regards studies.44
In summary, the evaluation of these years reveals in various places a
certain void or non-assumption of responsibility at different levels
through a lack of sufficient knowledge, time, suitable persons,
means and clear norms.
3. DELIBERATIONS
3.1 During these six years the importance of the formative communities 251
demands that the provincial and his council give preferential treatment to
their institution or renewal. Therefore a community to be formative should
be expressly structured for that purpose, and there ought to be:
- a specifically trained rector and formation team,
44 Cf RDF p. 11.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
- true spiritual direction,
- an atmosphere of coresponsibility with diversity of roles and the clarity
of formative aims,
- salesian life-style in study and work with periodic planning, review, and
evaluation,
- and finally, a special sensitivity to the province.
252 3.2 The provincial and his council shall provide that the rectors of the
formation communities have a specific and periodic updating to help them
fulfilltheir sensitive and necessary duty of community and personal spiri-
tual direction in the manner envisioned by the SGC.45
253 3.3 Every province shall constitute its own provincial formation commis-
sion. Its specific duties shall be indicated by the provincial Formation
Directory.
254 3.4 The Councillor for Formation, in dialog with the respective regional
Councillors and provincials, shall encourage in the provinces an ever
greater coresponsibility and active participation in the analysis of the ac-
tual situation of the formation communities and shall coordinate a series of
advisories calculated to insure a timely realization of the capitular deci-
sions.
255 3.5 The Department for Formation shall be so structured that it may be a
more efficacious instrument at the service of unity of formation. This may
be obtained through the organization of a team competent in the various
sectors of formation.
256 3.6 The Rector Major with his Council through the Councillor for Forma-
tion shall see to the creation at the UPS of a suitable center for the prepa-
ration of future formation personnel and the re-training of those presently
serving. Further, in agreement with the regional groups, he shall promote
brief courses and meetings for a greater contact withthe problems of every
zone.
257 3.7 To deepen those elements which perfect the unity of the salesian
vocation, publications on salesian spirituality and their translation into
various languages shall be brought out by the Department for Formation.
45 Cf ASGC 678a, c.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
189
3.8 Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Salesianae
258
Many of the problems touched on above can be more easily resolved
through a global and harmonious view of formation. Therefore, the Rector
Major with his Council through the Department for Formation shall elabo-
rate and promulgate as soon as possible for the whole Congregation, the
Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Salesianae.
- The Ratio shall set forth in an organic manner the whole of the princi-
ples and norms on formation which are found in the Constitutions and
Regulations, in the ASGC and in the deliberations of this GC21; in
addition, those other elements valid for the whole Congregation which
have been set forth in the various Church and salesian documents
issued after the SGC.
- It shall emphasize in a special manner the importance and necessity of
the integral development of the various aspects of formation: human
maturation, intellectual and professional preparation, religious and
apostolic life, all within the unity of the salesian vocation.
- The Ratio shall give very special attention to salesian spiritual deve-
lopment during the whole formation process. In this sector it shall
indicate the features and proper identity of the salesian priest, brother
and deacon.
- A Ratio Studiorum shall form a part of the document taken as the totality 259
of those general norms regarding intellectual formation in the Congre-
gation. This Ratio should ensure the principaL elements of a curricu-
lum for salesians (priests and brothers) whether for basic formation or
for specific priestly or lay formation. Finally, it should indicate the
organic contents of salesianity for the various phases of the formation
process.
- The Ratio shall take into consideration necessary previous pastoral 260
experience for formation personnel46 and gradual proportioned apo-
stolic activity for those in formation, emphasizing the indispensable
value during such training of the guiding presence of formation per-
sonnel. Ordinarily salesian works shall be chosen for these apostolic
activities.
3.9 The provincial Formation Directory
261
Everyprovince, assoon as the Ratiois published, shall elaborate or revise
its own provincial Formation Directory observing the norms found in that
Ratio.47
46 Cf ASGC 679.
47 Cf Canst 106.
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PART 2
THE PHASES OF FORMATION
PREMISES
1. Continuity and equality of basic formation
262 In its study of the phases of formation the GC21 has always kept in
mind two concepts of the SGC: the continuity of the formation
process and the equality of basic formation (for lay and clerical
salesians) with the necessary distinctions.
1.1 Continuity of the formation process
Though in its method this examination is divided into parts, the
oneness and the continuity of the formation process is a premise
which must always be held present all along the arc of formation.
Formation dues not end with the finish of initial formation, but
continues and endures throughout one's life in terms of ongoing
formation. In fact, "the formation process ought to be unified and
continuous in its various phases. Every phase should be the conti-
nuation of the one which precedes it and a preparation for the
following."48 This continuity of growth presupposes the principle of
gradual development in the diverse aspects of the formation process.
The unified and at the same time complex character of the formation
process demands that in everv phase harmonized as one vital whole,
the various aspects of salesian formation should be present: human
and christian maturation, intellectual preparation, the deepening of
the salesian religious life, and insertion into apostolic work,49 How-
ever, emphasis on these aspects must be different according to the
specific character of each phase:
- human and christian maturation in preparation for the novitiate;
- deepening of the salesian religious life during the novitiate;
- intellectual preparation in the immediate post-novitiate;
48 ASGC 691.
49 Cf Canst 10 1.
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191
- insertion into apostolic work during the tirocinium;
- the priestly dimension during theologi):a:I studies for candidates
to the priesthood.
1.2 Equal basic formation
"Brothers and future priests receive equal basic formation with a 263
curriculum of equivalent level." 50 This means that the period of
salesian formation up to perpetual profession has the same phases,
with similar objectives, contents, and duration for all the members
according to their own specific lay or priestly vocation, the specific
functions of their apostolate, and their personal gifts and aptitudes. 51
2. Aspects of the formation process
The formation process in its various phases has these two aspects: 264
- maturation in vocation up to perpetual profession, alike for all
salesians according to one's lay or priestly state;
- specific preparation of the salesian brother and of the salesian
priest.
These two aspects, although different, are not separable from the
totality of formation. At no moment do we have a "generic" sale-
sian. However, of necessity for the sake of clarity, we speak 'in this
first instance of the general and common aspects of salesian forma-
tion and in a later moment of the specific aspects of the formation of
the salesian priest and of the salesian brother.
1. The period of maturation in vocation up to the
perpetual profession
1.1 Immediate preparation for novitiate.
1.2 Novitiate.
1.3 Period of temporary vows.
1.3.1 Immediate post-novitiate.
1.3.2 Tirocinium.
1.3.3 Immediate preparation for perpetual profession.
2. Specific preparation of the salesian
2.1 Priest
2.2 Brother
50 Const 103.
51 Cf Const 103.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
1. THE PERIOD OF MATURATION IN VOCATION
UP TO PERPETUAL PROFESSION
1.1 Immediate preparation for novitiate
265 Premises
We do not have a canonical postulancy with juridico-structural as-
pects. But the Constitutions present the immediate preparation for
novitiate as one of those phases "necessary both for the candidate
and the community,"52 and they indicate in succinct form the ob-
jectives, method t~ be followed, the atmosphere and the placeY
Therefore we prefer to call this phase "immediate preparation for
novitiate."
The SGC has not established any fixed or single structure for this
period, allowing the provinces to decide the manner of realizing it
"according to the needs of the places and in conformity with the
directives of the Church and of the Congregation." 54 A later docu-
ment55 has better explained the nature, objectives, and modality of
immediate preparation for novitiate, leaving the concrete programs
to the Formation Directories of each province.
Situation
266 "In a good number of provinces the prenovitiate is already well
established and is bearing good fruit."56 But in some places its
necessity has not been well understood. 57 It may be said that the
prenovitiate is not yet well programmed and realized as a phase of
formation in all provinces.
Deliberations
267 The GC21 emphasizes the necessity of a period of immediate preparation
for novitiate and offers the following directives:
a) The objectives singled out in article 109 of the Constitutions indicate, in
52 Canst 108.
53 Canst 109.
54 Canst 106.
55 ASC 276 p. 68-73.
56 RRM 147.
57 Cf RRM 147.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
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general, an atmosphere and method "to mature," "to discern one's own
vocation," "to deepen one's awareness" and "to decide" wisely and freely
to become a salesian religious.58 Only when the candidate has made his
option for the salesian life has he begun his immediate preparation for the
novitiate.
b) The structuring ofthis phase, though flexibleand diverse according to 268
place and circumstance,59ought to offer the candidate the chance to
deepen his own vocationalchoice through:
- a more profound knowledge of himself;
- spiritual direction;
- openness to the word of God, sacramental life and prayer;
- a general knowledge of Don Bosco and of the Salesian Society;
- an experience of community life;
- salesian apostolic experience.
c) During this period the human and christian maturity of the candidate in 269
particular should be evaluated to ascertain whether he has reached the
level necessary to begin his novitiate wel1.6OA constant understanding of
those in charge of formation at this stage with those of the novitiate,
especiallywiththe Masterof Novices,willmakethis evaluationeasier.
d) Immediate preparation for novitiate customarily shall last one year and 270
shall not ordinarily be less than six months. The concrete modality of this
period shall be established by the Formation Directory of eacn province.
1.2 NOVITIATE
Premises
The novitiate marks the beginning of the salesian religious expe- 271
rience.61 It has therefore a most important function with regard to
the unity and development of the salesian vocation in its origins.62
58 Cf ASC 276p. 70: 1.3.1.
59 Cf Const 110; ASC 276 p. 70-72; 1.3.1 - 1.3.6.
60 Cf Reg 73 (C).
61 Cf Const 111; RC 13,1.
62 ASC 276, 2.3.1.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
Its organization is of the greatest importance. The diversity of the
types of salesian novitiate due to the varying number of novices and
different cultural and pastoral contexts prevents taking a uniform
stance on organizing the novitiate.63 But there is a fundamental
criterion: The environment and structures of the novitiate must be
capable of supporting authentic formation, i.e. of attaining the pur-
poses and fulfilling the contents of the novitiate.64
Situation
272 "In general information on the novitiates is positive."65 The small
number of novices66 and the impossibility of counting on a large
enough and sufficiently qualified formation team has in some places
hindered the creation of an environment suitable to attaining the
objectives of this phase. In such cases interprovincial novitiates
present evident advantages.67 In these, however, problems regard-
ing the coresponsibility of the concerned provinces mOst be resolv-
ed. In recent years because of the growing complexity of religious,
apostolic, and cultural life, the necessity of specific training for the
Master has become evident.
Deliberations
273 Tho ideal to be placed before the novices is to serve Christ in youth, in
commu,nity and totally, according to our spirit. This ideal we find in the two
fundamental books of our thought and life: the gospel and the Constitu-
tions.68 So that this phase may be truly efficacious, the GC21 believes it
opportune to deliberate:
a) Characteristics of the novitiate
274 All the elements of novitiate life shall be aimed at initiating the novices to
the awareness and practice of the salesian religious life. The novice, with
the help of the community and especially of the Master, interiorizes the
salesian values and acquires a mentality of faith rendering him capable of
discerning the will of God about his vocation.
63 Cf ASC 276, 2.3.3; Const 106.
64 ASC 276, 2.3.3.
65 RRM 148.
66 RRM 149.
67 RRM 148.
68 Cf ASC 2:76,2.2.2;Const 101.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
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Those aspects more directly intellectual and pastorally practical must be
arranged so as to deepen and enlighten his salesian spiritual experience."9
Since our Society is an Institute dedicated to apostolic activity, "formation
in the novitiate ought to take into greater accountthe necessity of prepar-
ing the novices even from the beginning and more directly for the type of
life or activity which must be their own in the future, and it pught thus teach
them to realize little by little in their own lives the conditions of that har-
moniousunity which links together contemplationand apostolicaction." 70
A more precise specification of the scope and of the criteria for the choice
of apostolic experience during the novitiate is to be found in the ASC 276.71
b) Contents of the novitiate
The same ASC 276,72also contains a formulation of the essential contents 275
of this phase. Teaching and assimilation of these contents is to be ac-
complished at two constantly integrated levels: study-reflection and prac-
tice-experience.
c) Training Masters of Novices
In the next three years the provinces shall train in salesian spirituality those 276
confreres who possessing sufficient practical-apostolic-salesian
rience73 are destined to exercise the role of Master of Novices.
expe-
It is important that the Master of Novices be open to the spiritual and
cultural values which the novices bring to the novitiate.
d) Interprovincial novitiates
When for the sake of greater formative effect an interprovincial novitiate is 277
deemed best, the responsibility of each province over its own novices shall
be manifested:
- in participation of the concerned provinces through suitable personnel;
- in the relations of the novice with the provincial of origin;
- in the role of the provincial of origin in the eventual dismissal of a
novice.
Concerned provinces, through mutual agreement, will establish norms to
regulate their coresponsibility.
69 Cf ASC 276, 2.2.1.2.
70 RC 5.
71 ASC 276,p. 79-81.
72 Cf ASC 276,2.2.2.1- 2.2.2.5.
73 Cf ASGC 684a.
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1.3 PERIOD OF TEMPORARY VOWS
278 The objectives of formation after the novitiate in view of perpetual
profession are to develop the different facets of the salesian vocation
and to continue the process of maturation of the young confrere.74
These objectives need further explanation according to the various
emphases of the different periods which make up this phase; that is,
the immediate postnovitiate, tirocinium, and immediate preparation
for perpetual profession.
1.3.1 The immediate postnovitiate
Premises
279 The novitiate as the initiation to salesian life is certainly a funda-
mental phase.75 But it needs to be complemented and further de-
veloped.76 The immediate postnovitiate is the first complementary
phase. Coherence and continuity between the work accomplished
during the novitiate and after it is indispensable 77so as to avoid a
sudden and unsettling change of life-style which may cause a 're-
lease-of-tension' in vocational growth.78 For this reason the imme-
diate postnovitiate is a sensitive and important moment for the
religious-salesian maturation of the young confreres.
Situation
280 Taking the situation as a whole, the reality for diverse reasons ap-
pears quite varied, somewhat confused, and in some cases not well
initiated.79 Often religious-salesian formation presents deficiencies
due to the lack of programs, time, organization, suitable communi-
ties, or men qualified to give doctrinal instruction. Spiritual direc-
tion, so important in this period, is little practised. In many places a
serious program of studies is absent. The nature and objectives of
this phase80 have not been clear, and for this reason they have not
been well understood bv many.
74 Cf Canst 114.
75 Cf RC 4.
76
.
77 Cf ASGC 691.
Cf ASC 276, 3.2.2.
78 Cf ASC 276, 3.3.3.
79 RRM 153.
80 Cf Canst 114; Reg 81.
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Deliberations
a) Objectives of the immediate postnovitiate
281
The GC21 specifies that the immediate postnovitiate is a time of maturation
and development:
- in faith, through a gradual integration of faith-and-life, faith-and-cult-
ure81accomplished especially by means of community reflection and
spiritual direction;82
- in the salesian-religious-apostolic vocation learned by the young conf-
reres through an adequate catechetical and pedagogical training, both
theoretical and practical, centered in Don Bosco,- educator, and the
preventive system, especially in view of the tirocinium;83
- in intellectual and cultural formation, including a fundamental intro-
duction to the world of culture (understanding of man, the world, God).
To this end the systematic study of philosophy is indispensable84 giv-
ing an answer to today's problems and not dissociated from the culture
proper to each region.
b) The formation community in this phase
It is of vital importance that for this phase an explicitly formative community 282
and a valid salesian environment be constituted. Two types of structure
are possible:.
- the studentate, i.e. a formation community with its own center of stu-
dies;
- a formation community for young confreres who do their studies else-
where.
Preference shall be given to the studentate according to the norm of Article
81 of the Regulations.
In cases deemed necessary, the Rector Major with his Council may permit
those in formation to be integrated in an active community as they do their
studies elsewhere.
c) Study centers
The sensitive process of cultural and religious synthesisduring this period 283
demands a wise choice of a center of studies whose program is compatible
81 Cf ASGC 677, 689.
82 Cf ASGC 678.
83 Cf Reg 88; ASGC 675, 676.
84 Cf RF 59.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
with and suitable to development of one's vocation, giving preference to
Salesian centers of study, at interprovinci~llevel if necessary.
284 d) The provincial Formation Directory
The provincial Formation Directory must indicate concrete directions for
this phase of formation: suitable place, suitable community, length (not
less than two years), program of studies,apostolicactivity.
1.3.2 Tirocinium
285 Premises
The tirocinium is" a vital and intense encounter with salesian action"
through "an experience educative and pastoral in nature" wherein
the young salesian "exercises himself in the salesian mission and in
the spirit of the preventive system in order to seek the maturation of
his own attitudes, interests and responsibilities."8s
So that this vital experience may become formative, the salesian in
practical training must find "in the community and especially in the
rector an attitude of understanding, stimulus, and support."86 He
ought to do his practical training normally in groupS.87
Situation
286 If well initiated this period of practice may develop among the most
beautiful and positive in the .salesian way of life.88 Often however
practical training is reduced to a period of excessive work in support
of an activity or foundation to the detriment of the religious and
spiritual formation of young salesians.89 At times the communities
to which they are sent are not suitable and an absence of guidance
and spiritual direction is frequent.
85 Cf Canst 116; Reg 88.
86 ASGC 696.
87 Cf ASGC 696.
88 RRM 154.
89 RRM 155.
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Deliberations
a) Suitable communities
287
Communities suitable for practical training:
- shall be communities capable of positive influence, possessing a co-
herent, dynamic, fraternal and family life-style wherein the person in
practical training my feel at ease as a responsible member;
- shall be communities in which the young salesian may have the op-
portunity to give his own original contribution in the certainty of being
positively accepted;
- shall have a rector and confreres able to understand, follow-up, help,
and evaluate the experience of the confrere in training;
- shall offer the confrere in training pastoral work proportionate to his
preparation and his capabilities and the chance for community reflec-
tion and spiritual direction to help him attain that personal integration
between his intense activity and the spiritual values of religious life90in
the union of contemplation and action so characteristic of salesian
spirituality.
b) Salesian assistance
The period of practical training is the one most suitable for formation 288
concretely to salesian assistance understood as an active and fraternal
presence among youth.91 This is one of the most important duties for the
salesians of a community where the confrere is doing his practical training,
and they fulfillthis duty especially through their witness.
c) The provincial Formation Directory
The provincial Formation Directory shall determine clearly regarding this 289
. period:
- the type of work most suitable;
- the method to be used for a periodic evaluation of the confrere in
practical training to help him in his experience;
- periodic formation encounters at local and provincial levels.
90 Cf "II tirocinio pratico, resoconto di una consulta" I, 2-3, p. 3; II, 2, p. 5.
91 Cf Const 16,25.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
1.3.3 Immediate preparation for perpetual profession
290 Premises
Perpetual profession is the goal of all this period of vocational ma-
turation, and therefore the whole arc of formation prepares for it.
However, since it is the culminating point of religious consecration,
perpetual profession should be preceded by a suitable period of
immediate preparation.92
Situation
Often this period of immediate and more explicit preparation for
perpetual profession has been neglected.
Deliberations
291 The provincial Directory of Formation shall determine:
- the manner of performing a periodic evaluation for the temporary pro-
'fessed;
- a suitable time for reflection to help them reach a mature definitive
choice;
- a program for immediate preparation for perpetual profession including
the precise manner (form, content, duration).
2. SPECIFIC PREPARATION OF THE SALESIAN
PRIEST AND BROTHER
2.1 Formation of the salesian priest
292 In establishing that brothers and future salesian priests receive equal
basic formation, the Constitutions have not forgotten the necessary
distinctions determined by the specific nature of their vocations and
bv their functions in our apostolate.93 One of these specific elements
for the salesian priest is his sacerdotal ministry. Specific priestly
formation, with a program already established in broad outline by
92 ASGC 698d.
93 Cf Canst 103.
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201
the Church, is further spelled out by the .Congregation 94 for the
salesian candidate to priestly life. This specific element ought to be
present all through the formative process according to the nature of
the various phases, though it receives special care at the time of
theological studies.
The Constitutions 95and the SGC96indicate certain characteristics of
the salesian priest wqich provide guidelines for his formation.
Situation
There is at this time in the Congregation a variety of situations with 293
regard to priestlv formation: theological studentates, groups of
theology students who attend non-salesian centers of study (Catholic
universities, inter-religious centers, seminaries...) and even, here and
there, young confreres placed in no particular house and without
special care.97
Studentates, certainly not crowded as they once were, offer a good
service, even granting their usual faults. The tensions of the past
years are forthe most part relieved, and the good trend evident in
such institutes depends in great part on the teaching and formation
personnel who work there.98
The situation of the numerous groups of students who attend salesian
or non-salesian centers varies greatlv from group to group and from
place to place. Where there are good men in charge of formation
(who often teach at the stud v-centers as well) one may say that the
situation is in general satisfactory. In this case, several positive
features mav be noted: contact with students of other Congregations
arouses in our own a more lively sense of belonging to our Society
and communicates the richness of our own spiritualitv to the others;
candidates may develop a broader vision of the local Church and the
real world. But at times the center is deficient, or those in charge of
the group are not suitable; or the community to which the group is
attached does not contribute for a variety of reasons to the forma-
tion of these young men.99
.
94 Cf ASGC 660.
95 Canst 35, 36.
96 ASGC 141-144.
97 RRM 159.
98 RRM 160.
99 RRM 161.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
Certain problems arise from the situation:
- an absence of a specifically salesian priestly formation: some
confreres feel that they are priests in general; others come out
unable to see the specific priestly character of their salesian
life; 100
- an absence of seriousness and pastoral and salesian quality of
studies;
- difficulty in rapport between the formative community and the
center of studies.101
Deliberations
294 a) Characteristics of the sacerdotal formation of the
salesian priest
Convinced of the need to emphasize the specifically salesian quality of our
candidates to the priesthood, the GC21 indicates for the "Ratio Institutio-
nis" the following contents. It confides them first of all to those in charge
of formation and to confreres responsible as a subject to be explored and
constantly meditated upon:
- emphasize the figure of Christ, the Shepherd; the salesian, as was Don
Bosco, is witness to him for needy youth, especially through the
preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, in
particular the Eucharist and Penance; 102
- deepen the ecclesial sense of unity and communion with the Church, in
particular with the Pope and the Bishops, accepting the magisterium
with docility and helping youth and the faithful to accept its teach-
ings; 103
- livethe priestly ministry within and from within the local and provincial'
communityl04in reciprocal complementarity with the salesian brother;
- cultivate the capacity of discerning the will of God in events and per-
sons, preparing the candidate to provide leadership and spiritual di-
rection, especially to the young;
100 Cf Sch Precap 477, 479.
101Cf Sch Precap 480.
102 Cf Const 36, 41.
103 Cf Const 44, 128.
104 Cf Const 34.
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- develop special sensibility of the salesian spirit, of the catechetical,lOs
vocational,106 and Marian 107dimensions of our priestly ministry;
- create the understanding that for the candidate the priesthood is a
specific dimension of his salesian vocation, present in all his activities,
making him, as Don Bosco, always and everywhere a priest.
b) Theological-pastoral Formation
295
There must be a serious theological-pastoral formation including those
studies prescribed by the Church,109lasting a minimum of four years, ar-
ranged and developed according to our specific vocational objectives. In
particular, studies on salesianity shall be provided, referring explicitly to
the figure of Don Bosco, priest. Duties and other studies which draw one
away from the specific task of this period of formation are not permitted.
c) Pastoral experience
A careful pastoral experience, programmed and duly evaluated, including 296
the guiding presence of those in charge of formation, shall prepare the
salesian to be a priest:
- in the midst of youth at the service of the mission of the provincial
community;
'- incarnated in his social and ecclesial context;
- capable of assuming responsibility for leadership in the salesian fami-
ly.110
d) Formation community and study center
297
The norms established for the immediate post-novitiate regarding kinds of
structures possible 111 are lialid also for this phase. Relations between the
formative community and the centers of study shall be carefully determined
in every case so as to insure the specific needs of each.
105 Cf Const
106Cf Const
107 Cf Const
108 Cf Const
20.
29, 107.
65.
36.
109Cf "Theological
1976.
110 Cf Const 5.
111 Cf this document
formation of future
nn. 282, 283.
priests,"
letter of Sac. Congo for Cath. Educ.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2l
e) Identity of the salesian priest
298 The GC21 recognizes that exploring the identity of the salesian priest along
the lines of the Constitutions (articles 35-36) and of the ASGC(141-144) will
make simpler the task of formation of the salesian priest. It asks the
Department for Formation to continue to study this point in the coming
years.
2.2 Formation of the salesian brother
Premises
299 The specific nature of the salesian brother within the common sale-
sian religious vocation demands that the consecrated lay state be
further studied in the area of basic formation. Therefore, even
though what has been affirmed in this document under the phases of
formation in nn. 262-291 is fully valid for the salesian brother, we
believe it necessary to say a word on his specific formation.
While the Congregation is called upon to develop the formation
program already established in broad outline by the Church for the
candidate to priestly life, "for the brothers it is a matter very often of
building up, or of even creating that formation procedure that will
guarantee the harmonious and complete development of their
human and religious personality in view of the educational and
apostolic mission to which they are called within the Congrega-
tion." 112
The GC19,1I3the SGC114and the Department for Formation 115have
already established norms and guidelines to this end. The World
Congress of Salesian Brothers 116has studied the matter deeply, cla-
rifying and enriching it.
All formation receives its specific orientation from the nature of the
salesian vocation. 117 It is necessary therefore to keep in mind all that
is indicated in the document on the salesian bJ;other of the GC21-on
his identity and his apostolic activity.
We must bear in mind the urgent need of an adequate and up-dated
112 ASGC 660.
113 Cf ASC 244, p. 71-75.
114 Cf ASGC 660, 688, 692d, 701b.
115 Cf "Salesian Formation," Rome, 1973, p. 28-35.
116Cf AWCSB p. 375-478 and 558-562.
117Cf Const 100.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
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formation for the salesian brother. 118 The formation of the brother
ought to be considered a problem of absolute priority.
Situation
Notwithstanding the guidelines of the SGC and of other later docu- 300
ments, the 1977 provincial chapters recognize that we are still a long
way from an adequate preparation ofthe brother.
There have been initiatives of various kinds and some promising
results. Several of the provinces were interested in this problem
during their chapters and have approved different programs for the
formation of the salesian brother, but on the whole one perceives an
insufficient cultural and pastoral preparation, inadequate for to-
day's religious and apostolic requirements 119and for the new duties
which the Congregation confides to the brother.
After the novitiate there have been difficulties not only in providing
adequate technical and professional formation, but also religious,
apostolic, and salesian.12O In truth, the brother is called to be first
and foremost an educator and a salesian apostle.
In general new concrete experiences are still lacking in the Congre-
gation, and also perhaps, programs, contents, times and methods of
formation which can give direction to and serve as a base for the
various provincial Formation Directories.121 The great diversity of
roles of the brother in the salesian community and also the scarcity
of vocations make it difficult to build a formation program and to
bring it to realization.122
Deliberations
a) The formation program
The concrete possibilities of living the consecrated lay state in the Cong- 301
regation are many and varied. This pluriformity demands that the provin-
cial Formation Directories shall set forth a serious formation program, but
one which is flexible and adjustable recognizing both the special nature of
the various responsibilities of the candidate and his actual possibilities.
118 Cf AWCSB p. 19.
119 Sch Precap 382.
120RRM 158.
121AWCSB p. 559, prop
122Cf RRM 158.
19; Sch Precap
405.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
When the age or cultural preparation of the salesian brother requires it, the
provincial with his council may adjust the common program suggested
here to the particular situations.
b) Some characteristics of the lay formation of the
salesian brother
302 The GC21 points out some specific elements of the brother's formation to
bear in mind in every phase and constantly to integrate at a twofold le-
vel-study-reflection and practice-experience:
- a salesian religious formation which will help him to grasp and to ever
better guarantee the meaning and value of the consecrated lay state in
the Salesian Congregation. In the progressive deepening of salesian
spirituality, one must be sure to develop above all, the specific traits of
the consecrated lay state123and the brother's reciprocal complemen-
tarity with the salesian priest within the salesian community;124
- a formation which tends to make of the brother a salesian lay educa-
tor.125 Thereforeit is necessaryto offer everybrother, according to his
duties, an adequate pedagogical, cultural, and salesian preparation;J26
- a theological and catechetical formation sufficient to sound the mean-
ing of one's own religious and apostolic vocation, to better understand
the presence of God in the realities of the world in which one is placed,
and to give witness to and proclaim that presence through coherent life
and action; 127
- a technicaland professionalpreparationwhichwill give him within his
own possibilities and the educative and pastoral character of his vo-
cation a competence at least equal to that of the layman who exercises
the same profession in civil society;128
'
- a socio-political education which prepares him for some specific edu-
cational activity, in particular in the working world.129
c) The immediate p, ostnovitia,te
303 It is desirable that clerics and brothers lead a common life in the same
123 Cf n. 186-19l.
124Cf this document n. 294.
125Cf Reg 92.
126Cf ASGC 688.
127Cf ASGC 688, 701b.
128AWCSB p. 560, prop 19,3b.
129Cf AWCSB p. 560, prop 19.3a.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
207
formation communityl30where they may gain an appreciation of the two
forms of the single salesian vocation.
It is best that technical-professional, studies be accompanied by philoso-
phical-pedagogical, and catechetical preparation necessary for the apo-
stolate of the brothers and proportionate to their varying situations.
d) Advanced formation
Upon completion of the apostolic and formative experience of practical 304
training, the salesian brother who pursues advanced studies should find
both the necessary means and the way facilitated. 131 The choice of a
center of study and of a community environment particularly rich in sale-
sian experience and in the opportunity for reflection on one's vocation is
very important.
This formation should be accompanied or should be immediately followed
by theological and salesian studies proportionate to the technical and
scientificstudies completed132 so as to help the brother inthe progressive
maturation of his religious and apostolic Iife.133
e) Those responsible for formation
To be faithful to our founding charism, those in charge of formation should 305
seek to know, to present, and to make better appreciated our salesian
identity in the two-fold dimension of our salesian religious vocation: lay and
priestly.134 That this may be achieved above all during the time of forma-
tion:
- whenever possible the brother should be present in the formation
structure, not merely through cultural and technical formation duties,
but above all through responsibilities of formation to the religious and
salesian life. Therefore, during the next six years there shall be special
care taken to prepare brothers capable of playing a suitable role in
such a formation team;
- the salesian priest who takes part in the formation process of the
brother should keep in mind the lay characteristics of this specific
vocation so as to know how to effectively understand, promote and
130 Cf this document n. 281-284.
131 Cf Reg 82.
132 Cf ASGC 688.
133Cf "Studies and intellectual formation
134 Cf ASGC 184.3.
of the salesian,"
Rome, 5.8.77, n. 94-95.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
nurture the call which God gives a young man to follow Christ in the
consecrated salesian lay state.
306 f) The post-capitular program
In the next years the provincial with his council, through the provincial
formation committee, shall set up with special care the various elements of
a formation program for the salesian brother. These shall be integrated in
the provincial Formation Directory.
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PART 3
ONGOING FORMATION
1. THE PRESENT SITUATION
The present-day speed of socio-cultural transformation reveals 307
forms of educational and apostolic inadequacy in some salesians
gmd wear and tear on their consecrated life which demonstrate the
urgent necessity of personal and community renewal.
As a response to this urgency, and in application of the deliberations
of the SGC,136the Superior Council, the provinces, the provincial
conferences and the local communities have realized a certain
number of initiatives in ongoing formation.137
Some of these initiatives and experiences can be considered suc-
cessful; others have had less satisfying results.
Some causes for these deficiences are: a lack of development in the
way of thinking about the subject on the part of salesians and com-
munities which still retain a static idea of formation, and are still
bound to forms of work which leave them interiorly empty; a certain
misunderstanding through which ongoing formation is viewed only
as cultural updating; insufficient and limited courses; the lack of
time for frequenting and for assimilating them; the lack of animators
and experts.
For this reason the GC2! considers it necessary to restate this argu-
ment sv~ stematically.~
135RRM 71,177. "Salesian Formation," document
136ASGC 690f, 701: Const 118; Reg 93,94; "Salesian
137RRM 70, 164, 165, 166; many Acts of Prov Chaps
138 RRM 165, 166.
139 RRM 70, 166; RDF 5,3.
of Formation Dept. 1973, n. 646.
Formation" n. 313.
'77; RDF 3,13; 4,2; 5,3.
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2. LINES OF REFLECTION
CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GCl!
2.1 The concept of ongoing formation
308 Formation is not, or at least is 1).ot only, a determined formation
structure nor just a momentary step in life. Indeed it is not ex-
hausted through necessary courses of n:;qualification and of theolo-
gical, pastoral, and professional updating.
Nor is it a later phase of initial formation which indeed if presuppo-
ses.
Ongoing formation is an organizing principle which inspires and
orientates formation along the whole arc of life. Formation and
personal culture are today conceived more as an indefinite capacity
to learn in relation to life than an acquisition of notions. Ongoing
formation therefore implies:
- an essential continuity throughout one's whole life of the forma-
tive process, of the growth and constructive entry into society of
the person;
- an attitude of permanent conversion in discernment of the voice
of the "Spirit which renews the face of the earth";
- a personal and community undertaking aimed at constantly re-
newing one's own dynamic and creative fidelity in the current
phase of history according to the ideal of Don Bosco, and at
approaching youth with an adequate present-day educational
plan. 140
Inasmuch as this is first of all a personal attitude and a general
community undertaking, it must not remain a pure state of mind. It
involves each individual salesian and the community, and it beco-
mes a concrete entity in specific personal and community actions, in
supporting structures, in a climate of salesian animation and of lively
community participation.
2.2 Reasons
309 Ongoing formation is necessar,y for various reasons:
- the dynamic and developing character of the human personality
presents a constant opening up, whether on the level of doctrinal
synthesis or of the plan of life;
140 ASGC 659; Const 118.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
211
- the christian life is by its nature a continuous growth in Christ and
in watchful attention paid to the Spirit present in the events of
history, which we have to decipher and which await from us a
response of faith. The Church is itself in a continuing state of
renewal;
- the salesian vocation directed to youth, i.e. to the part of hu-
manity which more than every other part is always new and
difficult to anticipate, and demands constantly renewed creativ-
ity and dynamism.
But today it is for us particularly urgent for the following reasons:
310
- the ever accelerated pace of transformations of the world in
which we live influences us in an often disturbing way, and the
present questions which demand adequate answers are directed
toward us personally;
- under the surge of technical progress, the speed and continuity of
information have led to a society and a pluralistic culture in
which a constant critical comparison with the foundation of
one's chosen plan of life is indispensable;
- these very transformations urge us to continuous renewal so as to
maintain an understandable witness and an efficie~t apostolic
service;
- the formation tasks assigned by the SGC to the entire provincial
community impose on it the urgency of a spiritual and apostolic
recharging, and of a doctrinal updating which renders it truly
formative.
2.3 The subject
The subject of continuing formation is first of all the person of the 311
salesian. Nothing will take the place of his duty done freely and with
conviction. No one will be able to run the course of renewal for him.
The subject of continuing education is moreover the salesian com-
munity inasmuch as it is the educator of its members, but also
inasmuch as it too needs ongoing formation in fidelity to Don Bosco
and of discernment of the Spirit.
The salesian community is the subject of ongoing formation in its
essential educational relationship towards youth. It is this relation-
ship which acts as a stimulus to renewal, including spiritual renewal,
and which offers reasons, criteria of evaluation and indications for
updating.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2!
2.4 Objectives
312 Objectives of continuing formation are therefore: the renewal of
each confrere, the reactualization of his salesian vocation, of his
apostolic efficiency, and of his human maturity (an open and critical
mind, a sense of responsibility, the ability to communicate and to
dialogue, to give one's self, to be creative, etc.).
Ongoing formation proposes to us moreover the renewal of the
community itself in its fraternal union, in its capacity of proclaiming
and witnessing, in its organic insertion in a unified apostolate.
2.5 Areas of ongoing formation
313 Ongoing formation as an endeavor of vital growth involves all as-
pects of the personality of the salesian, and therefore:
-'- his spirituality amidst a deepening of faith directed towards
continuous conversion and towards the search for fullness in his
vocation;
- his salesian identity, hence the religious-apostolic plan of Don
Bosco and his pedagogical pastoral method; 141
- his theological-pastoral environment, the community dynamics,
the present youth situation;
- his professionalism, the new efficient methodologies and the
reshaping of mentalities which these implv.
3. PRACTICAL DIRECTIVES
314 3.1 Criteria of Organization
The initiatives, structures and programs for actuating ongoing formation
give rise to the following criteria:
3.1.1 Unity and decentralization according to the
norms of the Constitutions142
The formative and salesian quality of the initiatives of ongoing formation
should be guaranteed with the assistance, the orientation, and the oppor-
]41 ASGC 670.
]42 Const 106.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
213
tune decisions of the Superior Council. It,will be their task to approve the
creation of interprovincial and interregional centers.
'
The regions and provinces respectively should program execution and
local adaptation, and they should assume responsibility according to the
current demands of a given situation with due concern for the char'isrnatic
patrimony of unity.
3.1.2 Continuity and gradual developmenm3
Ongoing formation of the s~lesian oughtto develop without interruption, 315
without a break in continuity or the negati9n of the forrnation already
received. This should be clearly manifest through the doctrinal content of
spiritual life it teaches through its method and language and its didac-
tic-pedagogical forms, without being reduced to a pure repetition or am-
plification of the initial program of formation.
3.1.3 Its practical and vital characterI..
The protagonist of ongoing formation is a subject placed in a concrete 316
situation of life. His difficulties, his possibilities of growth, his tasks, are all
conditioned by his situation. The programming and method of ongoing
formation should take this into account, and the goals aimed at. should
refer especially to that situation.
3.1.4 "Salesianita '>145
The salesian vocation should be the unifying and essential theme of on- 317
going formation, and it should occupy a relevant place within the totality of
the contents and prospectives of suchJormation.
3.2 Responsibility at various levels
3.2.1 The salesian
Each confrere, responsible for his own growth and for that of the' com- 318
munity in which he lives and works, through a wisely chosen program of life
should strengthen or ifnecessary rebuild his abilityand habit of systematic
reading and of study in the areas proper to his mission, and also his
disposition to personal prayer, meditation, spiritual direction, and the use
of the rite of penance.l46
143ASGC 660, 69l.
144ASGC 67l.
145ASGC 660; Canst 100.
146ASGC 659,
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
In this duty he will be assisted fraternally by the Congregation through
those responsible. They will accompany him in the ordinary duty of growth
and will provide indispensable initiatives.
3.2.2 In the ordinary initiatives, the following have a special responsibility:
319 a) The rector
Since the local community is the ordinary place of continuing formation,
the person of the rector, his testimony, his action, his mentality have a
decisive importance. His task of religious and pastoral animation and of
spiritual direction are to be giv.en preference over all other responsibilities
in the working out of his service.147
b) The provincia!
It is his task to animate religious life, and to care for the integral and
permanent formation of the confreres.148
For this reason:
-, let him support by personal contact the task,of renewal of the confreres;
- let him program with his council the activities and initiatives which
.' regard the ongoing formation of the confreres and the training of those
who do the educating and animating, especially the rectors;!49
- let him look to the accomplishing of such programs, keeping watch
particularly over ordinary local community life.!so
c) Animators and formation personnel
Ongoing formation requires of those persons prepared for this function, at
least at the interprovincial level, the possibility of dedicating themselves full
time to this work.
d) Qualified salesian personnel
Qualified salesian personnel should hold this service to the confreres as a
matter of priority over other occasional additional tasks.
320 3.2.3 Extraordinary initiatives and animation on a wider scale.
a) The Regional Councillors
They are responsible with the provincials concerned for the realization of
'47 ASGC 672; Const 182:Reg 153,155,157.
'48 Const 168.
149 ASGC 690f.
150 Reg 93.
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FORMATION TO SALESIAN LIFE
215
interprovincial programs of ongoing formation. They should encourage a
greater collaboration and coordination between provinces for ongoing
formation.
b) The Councillor for Formation
He is responsible for and cares for the continuing and integral formation of
the salesian.IS! In agreement with the respective Regional Councillor, he
seeks from the provinces the programming and actualization of practical
means for the ongoing formation of the confreres. Let him have special
care for the good running of centers for ongoing formation and for houses
of spirituality.
c) The Rector Major
As father and center of unity, he promotes a continuous and renewed
fidelity to the salesian vocation.152 This implies, among other things, the
duty of animating the confreres in their ongoing formation. This he satis-
factorily accomplishes through his ordinary government, his teaching of-
fice (talks and circular letters), his contacts, visits, and his meetings with
groups of persons.1S3
3.3 Structures
3.3.1 In the normative documents on salesian formation (Ratio Institutio- 321
nis, Ratio Studiorum, Provincial Directories) there should be a section on
ongoing formation. The section on initial formation should assume on-
going formation as an organizing and orientating principle.
3.3.2 The provincial formation committee also sets programs for the con- 322
tinuing formation of salesians, and seeks their realization in dependence
on the provincial and his council.
3.3.3 Regions, language groups, or provincial conferences should have, if 323
possible and convenient, their cen-ter for ongoing formation. Interprovin-
cial initiatives which develop in them are the responsibility of the provin-
cials of the area or of the conference concerned, the Regional Councillor,
or the Councillor for Formation.
151 Canst 139.
152ASGC 714, 719; Canst 129.
153ASGC 701.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC2l
324 3.3.4 The "Salesianum" at Rome should have as one of its specific tasks
that of preparing directors and animators for the other regional centers.
325 3.3.5 For courses of ongoing formation of the confreres we can also take
advantage of interreligious centers, especially when participation in the
pastoral work of the local church would counsel it, and when the presence
of salesians in such an arrangement would entail an enriching exchange
with other religious.
3.4 Lines of action
326 3.4.1 At local level
a) We should give preference to the local community as the place for
ongoing formation, avoiding every dichotomy or a sense of discontinuity
between profitable pauses and community life. The life of fraternal union
and of apostolic work is a continuous occasion of personal development.
The community supports this process giving value and enricbment to all
times, means, and community aspects which bring us to a greater under-
standing and deepening of our vocation.154
Among these we list the following:
- times of community prayer, of shared meditation, of reflection on the
gospel and on renewal of one's life; the monthly and quarterly recol-
lection days;
- moments of participation and coresponsibility (council, assembly,
meetings) and of community communication;
- occasions of salesian enrichment, as the talk with the rector, the con-
ferences, 155 the good nights;
- communication with the provincial community and with the Congrega-
tion through letters read in common and commented upon, through
provincial communications, through directives of the Rector Major;
- participation in things of interest to the Church through personal and
community acquaintance with her guidelines.
327 b) The local communities should schedule their activities in such a way as
to ensure that the confreres participate in times of prayer and of community
reflection, as well as have "the time necessary for personal and continuous
updating." 156
154 Canst 100.
155 Cf Reg 157.
156 Reg 93.
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c) The community must encourage this task of the confrere through fitting 328
means: occasions of exchange on a level of studies, participation in con-
ferences and pastoral encounters, correspondence with the proposals on
formation of the local church, study and systematic exercise in communi-
cation (training in communication), a functional and up-to-date library, a
section of the house reserved for the use of the community so as to favor a
climate of recollection, prayer, and personal work.IS?
d) The local community should also encourage the formation of its conf- 329
reres by means of encounters for reflection and religious experiences with
the young and those others who are the object of our mission.
3.4.2 At provincial level
a) Let the provincials and delegates in presenting these capitular docu- 330
ments place in evidence the importance of ongoing formation. The pro-
vincial formation committee should then continue the work with suitable
reminders.
b) Ordinary means and occasions on the provincial level are meetings of 331
rectors, economers, pastoral animators, and other confreres. In these
meetings, besides dealing with the administrative and organizational as-
pects of things, concern should be shown for the religious life and spiritual
and doctrinal programs for the salesians.
c) The annual retreats have particular efficacy in promoting personal 332
growth and province-wide union. They gain in value through previous
preparation of the confreres, updating of the forms of retreat, and the
updating also of the animators.
d) Let the province also promote short encounters, according to its pos- 333
sibilities, to foster ongoing formation (e.g. on biblical, catechetical or pa-
storal themes, and on religious life, salesianity, etc.).
e) The province willtake particular care of members who are in the early 334
years of their priestly ministry: as well as the ordinary pastoral care, it will
provide for further preparation in those matters which are peculiarly ne-
cessary for the salesian priest: catechetics, pastoral work for youth, etc.
Similar provision will be made for brothers in the early years of their full
involvement in pastoral work.
157 Reg 39.
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CHAPTER DOCUMENTS GC21
335 f) After their perpetual profession, let all salesians be offered periodically a
period of reasonable length for the renewal of their pastoral and religious
life. Let the provinces keep this in mind when drawing up their programs.
Let each confrere respond generously to this requirement of formation for
his own good as well as that of the community.
336 g) In the coming six years let priority be given to the theme of "salesianita"
and to the study of the Constitutions.
337 h) In the next three years let each province or group of provinces provide
for the preparation of experts in salesianity, making use of the services
offered by the UPS.
338 i) Ongoing formation will entail the reshaping of our works and activities as
a matter of controlled growth. The GC21 emphasizes the need to apply the
criteria for reshaping set out by the SGC also to the need for providing for
the ongoing formation of the confreres.
3.4.3 At regional and world level
339 a) In the next three years let lengthy courses be provided at the "Salesia-
num," Rome, for directors and animators of regional centers for ongoing
formation.
340 b) Periodically the Superior Council will organize projects to provide the
specific qualification needed by provincials to enable them to fulfil their
role of animators of the provincial communities.
341 c) The necessary qualification of rectors will be achieved through
interprovincial initiatives, promoted at least every three years and coordi-
nated by the provincial conference or by the Regional Councillor with the
provincials concerned.
342 d) Provincial conferences or linguistic groups must see to the provision of
an adequate and up-to-date salesian bibliography in the vernacular. In
addition it is hoped that study groups will be formed at regional level, which
will be able to provide in due course salesian publications and other ser-
vices.