(ANS – São Leopoldo) – Rectors of the Salesian communities from the six provinces of Brazil began their National Meeting of Directors at the Cristo Rei Spirituality Centre (CECREI) in São Leopoldo, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and the Brazil-Porto Alegre Province (BPA), on Monday, March 9, 2026. The meeting will continue until Friday, March 13, focusing on the new Ratio Fundamentalis, the document that guides Salesian formation across the Congregation.

Formation at the Heart of the Week

Leading the theme for the week, Fr. José Luis Plascencia Moncayo, from the Salesian Province of Guadalajara, Mexico (MEG), emphasized that Salesian formation aims “to follow Jesus and conform to Him, especially through study and spiritual accompaniment.”

A formator at the Salesian theological seminary and professor at the same institute, he stressed that the new Ratio does not automatically produce change. “It is not something magical, nor is it a document that in itself brings about change,” he said. According to Fr. Plascencia Moncayo, the text requires intelligent and creative application in diverse contexts, since “formation is not a recipe, but an art that adapts to situations.”

The rector is now working with participants using varied approaches to explore the topic. The afternoon of the first day was devoted to presenting the theme, 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 reflects a process that has matured within the Congregation over recent years. This work follows a long-term intention of the Congregation, dating back about 12 years, characterized by ongoing reflection on Salesian formation.

The priest noted that the new Ratio broadens the understanding of formation, which was previously focused mainly on the initial stage, and promotes a culture of ongoing formation that responds to changes in the lives of young people and individuals.

He also outlined the expected outcomes of the meeting: “Each province, guided by the renewed Ratio, will be able to update its provincial formation plan and enhance processes and projects,” he said.

Opening and Program of the First Day

The opening program 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 session on spirituality, Fr. Miranda presented a reflection entitled “The Service of the Salesian Rector and Life in the Spirit,” emphasizing the Rector’s role as a servant called to provide spiritual and pastoral guidance to the community. His interpretation reinforced the understanding of the Rector as a man of communion, responsible for animating both the religious and the educational-pastoral community in the light of Salesian spirituality.

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