(ANS – Porto Alegre) – From 2 to 4 July 2026, the Provincial House in Porto Alegre hosted the 2026 Provincial Meeting for men in Initial Formation, bringing together together 13 Salesians coming from the prenovitiate, postnovitiate, practical training and theological studies. The event featured sessions on Salesian formation, integration across the various stages of formation, reflection on youth ministry, interpersonal communication, financial responsibility and the sharing of experiences of community life.
According to Fr Sérgio Ramos de Souza, Provincial Delegate for Formation and Vice-Provincial, the aim of the meeting was to strengthen the formees’ connection with the provincial journey. “The main aim of the Formees’ Meeting is to offer confreres in Initial Formation a space for gathering, integration across the various stages, sharing of experiences, fraternity and Salesian formation, in order to further strengthen their sense of belonging to the Province,” he explained.
Salesian formation and provincial life
The first day began with Holy Mass presided over by Fr Ademir Ricardo Cwendrych, Provincial of BPA. Following the celebration, Fr Diego da Silva, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, presented the Salesian Provincial e and Pastoral Plan (SEPP) and the Overall Provincial Plan (OPP). During the morning, Fr Ademir also provided an in-depth analysis of the Ratio Fundamentalis, the document that guides and regulates formation within the Salesian Congregation.
In the afternoon, participants reflected on interpersonal communication and non-violent communication, thanks to a presentation by Aline da Cunha, who specialises in leadership and communication training.
Youth Ministry and the Salesian Mission
On 3 July, following Mass presided over by Fr Sérgio Ramos de Souza, the group examined in depth the ‘diagnosis’ of youth ministry carried out by the Salesian Network of Brazil (RSB), in a session led by Fr Sérgio himself and Patrícia Vieira, a researcher at the Salesian Youth Observatory (OSJ, in Portuguese).
Fr Sérgio emphasised that the topics addressed respond to the needs of Salesian formation and the Congregation’s journey. “The topics discussed at the Meeting of those in Formation are responses to the Congregation’s journey, seeking to renew in the heart of every Salesian the passion for following Christ and their consecration to young people,” he stated. He added that contextualised reflection helps to form Salesians who are more consistent with the Salesian charism and mission.
Sharing and fraternity
In the early afternoon, Fr Dirceu Fernando Belotto, Provincial Economer, spoke on some financial matters concerning the province, emphasising the importance of diligence and financial responsibility. Afterwards, the participants shared personal experiences of the various stages of their formation, before reciting the Holy Rosary and enjoying a festive dinner.
The 2026 Provincial Meeting of those in Formation concluded on 4 July with an outing and moments of fellowship amongst the participants.
