Salesian Fathers and Sisters- A joint Training Programme in Affective Maturity

The South Asia Formation Commission of the Salesians of Don Bosco organized a five-day training programme on Affective Maturity and Psycho-Sexual Integration for members of the Salesian Family at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Pune. The initiative aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of psycho-sexual integration while enhancing their personal awareness, emotional maturity, and pastoral effectiveness in formative ministry. The programme brought together Salesians and Salesian Sisters from various provinces across the country. The diversity of participants fostered a dynamic environment of shared reflection, dialogue, and growth.

Resource persons for the training included Fr Ajoy Fernandes, a trained psychologist and counsellor; Fr Ian Doulton, known for his expertise in spiritual direction and accompaniment; Fr Robert Pen, Vice-Provincial of the Mumbai Province; Fr Valerian Pereira, an expert in Salesian studies; and Fr Banzelao Teixeira, Coordinator for Formation of Salesians in the South Asia region.

The sessions explored key themes such as personal accompaniment, critical use of media, psycho-sexual development, celibacy and prayer, conflict management, relationship dynamics, boundaries, addictions, and the integration of affective maturity in religious commitment. Emphasizing that formation is a lifelong process, the facilitators highlighted the ongoing journey toward integrating one’s human, emotional, spiritual, and apostolic dimensions.

Participants expressed deep gratitude for the enriching experience. Fr Lourdusamy from Chennai shared, “The training helped us to recognize our woundedness and the need for healing, fostering self-awareness and pastoral sensitivity.” Bro Royston Colaco from Mumbai described the programme as “deeply relevant and enriching,” while Fr. Uppan Sunny from Kerala noted, “The sessions benefited my own formation even more than my ministry of forming others.” Some of the participating sisters expressed their appreciation, saying, “You have not only formed minds but awakened souls to the beauty of integrated living,” and “The open and interactive atmosphere encouraged dialogue and deep learning.”

The programme concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Participants left with the resolve to integrate their learnings into daily life and ministry. The process that began in Pune continues beyond the sessions—for true formation begins where learning meets life. The coordinator for Formation expressed his satisfaction at the outcome of the training program since such training programs help consecrated persons to acknowledge their woundedness and of the need for integration.