Formation in the wider - or real - context

During the meeting in Goa one of the points that emerged and I'm glad was seriously taken note of, was the following:  that formation takes place more outside the formation houses than within.  Most often people think that the initial formation houses of aspirantate, pre-novitiate and philosophate are the ones that 'form' the young salesian religious... now no more!  They - and others too - are more 'formed' by what goes on outside the so-called formation houses... the Province at large.  They are smart and see that what is presented in the formation settings is the ideal but no one really is expected to live the ideal... that's what the message the whole Province, individually and collectively lives it without saying it. So a young Salesian or formee, knows that time in the formation house is only a matter of time!  Real life has nothing to do with what is said and done in the formation house.

I'm glad Fr Doss Kennedy raised this issue and questioned the gathering as to what are the success indicators, as Provincial and leaders of communities and as a Province we uphold.  It is by these standards and indicators that young Salesians tend to mould themselves.  Another way of looking at the same issue: what is the culture of the Province?  What are we looking for? Is qualification (be it ecclesial or secular) the apostolate or one of the means of effective ministry?

Lots to think and reflect about!