Brazil – Salesian Rectors begin national meeting

Responsible for leading the theme during the week, Fr José Luis Plascencia Moncayo, from the Salesian Province of Guadalajara, Mexico (MEG), emphasised that the formation of Salesians has as its horizon ‘to follow Jesus and conform to him, especially through study and spiritual accompaniment’.

A formator in the Salesian theological seminary and professor at the same institute, he stressed that the new Ratio does not automatically bring about change. ‘It is not something magical, nor is it a document that in itself brings about change,’ he said. According to the speaker, the text requires intelligent and creative application in different realities, since ‘formation is not a recipe, but an art that adapts to situations.’

Fr Plascencia Moncayo is therefore now working with the Rectors and with different approaches to studying the topic. The afternoon of the first day was devoted to the presentation of the topic, personal reflection and group discussion.

The new Ratio in the Brazilian context

Fr Cássio Rodrigo de Oliveira, Coordinator of the National Formation Commission (CNF), explained that the theme responds to a process that has matured within the Congregation in recent years. According to him, this work follows an intention of the Congregation that dates back about 12 years, characterised by a continuous effort of reflection on Salesian formation.

The priest added that the new Ratio broadens the understanding of formation, previously associated mainly with the initial phase, and proposes a culture of ongoing formation in dialogue with changes in the realities of young people and individuals.

The Coordinator also indicated the expected outcomes of the meeting. ‘Each province, enlightened by the renewed Ratio, will be able to update its provincial formation plan and qualify processes and projects,’ he said.

Opening and programme for the first day

The opening programme included Mass presided over by Fr Ademir Ricardo, Superior of the St Pius X Province of BPA, opening words by Fr Adalberto De Jesus Alves, Superior of the St Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande, Brazil (BCG) and formation coordinator, and a moment of spirituality led by Fr Mauricio Tadeu Miranda, Vice-Provincial of the ‘ Help of Christians Province of São Paulo, Brazil.

During the morning dedicated to spirituality, Fr Miranda presented a reflection entitled ‘The service of the Salesian Rector and life in the Spirit’, emphasising the Rector’s service as a call to spiritual and pastoral animation of communities: an interpretation that reinforced the understanding of the Rector’s role as a man of communion, called to animate the religious community and the educative and pastoral community in the light of Salesian spirituality.

The first day of the meeting ended with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by the Salesians of the host province.