India – Fr. Silvio Roggia Highlights Salesian Formation and Fraternal Care During Two-Day Visit
During the liturgical celebrations, Fr. Roggia reflected on the theological foundations of Christian and religious life, emphasising God’s unconditional love as the starting point of faith and vocation. Drawing on the Salesian charism, he recalled St. John Bosco’s enduring pastoral insight that young people must not only be loved but also experience that love in tangible, concrete ways.
A central feature of the visit was Fr. Roggia’s interaction with various formation groups. He held dedicated sessions with Salesian coadjutor brothers, Salesian clerics, temporary professed Salesians, and members of the formation staff. These interactions addressed themes of vocational identity, accompaniment, and the contemporary challenges faced in religious formation.
Acknowledging their concerns, Fr. Roggia encouraged perseverance, fidelity to vocation, and deep trust in God’s grace. Fr. Jose also addressed the gathering, inviting the brothers to interpret their formative experiences through a spirit of faith and gratitude. The sessions reflected the Congregation’s ongoing commitment to holistic formation and fraternal care within Salesian communities.
Fr. Roggia also met with members of the Pre-Novitiate community, engaging in open dialogue and responding to questions related to Salesian life and the global mission of the Congregation. This interaction sought to strengthen vocational discernment at an early stage of formation.
The visit of the General Councillor reaffirmed the Salesian Congregation’s emphasis on accompaniment, pastoral sensitivity, and fidelity to the charism of Don Bosco in shaping future generations of Salesians.
Muthyala Sudhakar
Source: Don Bosco South Asia