In a wide-ranging and thoughtful interview, Fr. Silvio Roggia, Councillor for Formation, offers a compelling vision of formation not as a stage to be completed, but as a lifelong journey sustained by grace, relationship, and mission.

A Journey That Never Ends

“Formation,” Fr. Roggia explains, “is by its very nature an exodus.” It begins when a young man first seriously considers becoming a Salesian and continues until the final chapter of life. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco’s own path — from Becchi to Valdocco and far beyond — the chapter underscores that formation is not confined to initial stages or academic milestones. It is a dynamic, lifelong process.

Yet this journey is not a leisurely walk. The ambition of Chapter Three, Fr. Roggia notes, is to generate the dynamis — the inner energy — that enables Salesians not merely to walk but to run. In a world where young people move and change with unprecedented speed, formation must cultivate agility, depth, and passion, enabling Salesians to keep pace with those they serve.

Relationship at the Center

At the foundation of the entire formation process lies relationship. Evoking Michelangelo’s iconic image of God and Adam reaching toward one another on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Fr. Roggia emphasizes that formation is first and foremost a divine initiative rooted in love. It springs from the life of the Trinity and unfolds within a web of human relationships.

Within Salesian communities, this relational dimension takes concrete shape: among young confreres, between formators, and in the daily interactions that define community life. “The Salesian quality of relationships makes all the difference,” Fr. Roggia affirms. Authentic formation flourishes where trust, fraternity, and shared mission are lived intentionally and joyfully.

The Preventive System: Soul of Formation

Central to Chapter Three is the rediscovery of Don Bosco’s Preventive System as the very soul of formation. Echoing the call of General Chapter 28, the text insists that the Preventive System must not be treated as a mere pedagogical method or external practice. Rather, it is the animating spirit that shapes every dimension of formation life.

Rooted in the pedagogy of grace and freedom — inspired by St. Francis de Sales’ maxim, “Do all through love, nothing through constraint” — the Preventive System permeates community relationships and personal growth. Formation, therefore, cannot rely on coercion or mere compliance. Only what is freely embraced becomes a lasting conviction.

In this way, the Preventive System forms not only educators of the young but men capable of living mature, responsible freedom within the Church and society.

Formation and Mission: One Reality

Perhaps the chapter’s most striking affirmation is the inseparability of formation and mission. Drawing on the strong emphasis of Pope Francis, Fr. Roggia stresses that formation does not prepare Salesians for mission as something external to their growth. Rather, mission itself is formative.

“Formation is mission and mission is formation,” he states. Salesians learn not only to reveal God to young people but also to discover God’s presence within them. The encounter with the young — especially the poorest and most vulnerable — shapes the heart, purifies motivations, and deepens vocation.

This reciprocal dynamic ensures that the excitement and freshness of Salesian life do not fade with time but are continually renewed through lived apostolic engagement.

Mary, Mother and Teacher

True to Don Bosco’s spiritual heritage, the chapter concludes with Mary. In her, Salesians find both model and companion — Mother and Teacher who sustains the journey with quiet fidelity and joy. Through trusting and entrusting, formation becomes not a burden but a grace-filled adventure.

It is in her company, Fr. Roggia suggests, that Salesians find the inexhaustible energy to walk, to run, and even to “fly” with joy along the path of vocation.

The full interview with Fr. Silvio Roggia is available in multiple languages, along with additional resources to deepen understanding of the Ratio, at hyper-ratio.org, a website dedicated entirely to the new document.

Videos of the interview can also be accessed directly in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.