The practical trainees' seminar began on Thursday, 19 September 2024, organized by the Commission on Formation of the PGS Vice-Province. The three-day seminar was intended for young Salesian Brothers in their initial formation, offering them time to renew their apostolic zeal as practical training brothers.

The first part of the seminar focused on the Preventive System and Salesian assistance. After receiving input from the Delegate for Formation, each participant reflected on and shared their personal experiences as brother assistants. By listening to each other’s joys and challenges in practicing Salesian assistance, the participants gained new insights and felt encouraged to return to their home communities with renewed enthusiasm and hope.

The seminar was animated by Fr. Pedro, Provincial Vicar; Fr. Srimal, Provincial Economer; Fr. Moïse, Youth Ministry Delegate; and Fr. Ambrose, Delegate for Social Communication. The topics covered included Salesian assistance and the practical training formation phase, evangelizing through social media, the intersection of social media and religious discipline, and living the vow of poverty in daily life.

The four participants were originally from Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Congo Brazzaville, and Madagascar. This international mix of participants promoted the sharing of diverse experiences and enriched the intercultural dynamic of the young Salesians in practical training. We truly experienced unity in diversity.

The seminar concluded with an outing on the final day to the beautiful Koitaki Country Club in the mountains. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Vice-Province and the communities for providing such an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and share. They also voiced their appreciation for the meaningful and enriching program and topics.