(ANS – Rome) – The first global online meeting dedicated to the specific formation of Salesian Brothers brought together the RMG Formation Team, directors, formators, Brothers in formation, and past pupils from the three international formation centers in Mexico, Cameroon, and the Philippines. With simultaneous translation facilitating active participation across languages, the gathering fostered a spirit of fraternity, shared reflection, and collaborative learning centered on lived formation experiences.

Fr. Silvio Roggia, General Councilor for Formation, underscored the urgency of developing a more unified, coherent, and better-understood approach to the specific formation of Salesian Brothers. Situating his reflections within the broader stages of initial formation—from prenovitiate to postnovitiate and specialization—he emphasized the need for solid theological grounding, professional competence, and a strong Salesian identity rooted in the charism of Don Bosco. He also identified key challenges, including inconsistent interpretations of specific formation, varying quality of accompaniment, and the need to strengthen vocational clarity and missionary fidelity.

Participants enriched the dialogue by affirming that specific formation is a decisive stage in consolidating the lay-consecrated identity of the Salesian Brother. They highlighted the importance of dedicated formation communities; stable and well-prepared formators—particularly Brother formators; personalized and synodal accompaniment; vibrant community life; and meaningful apostolic engagement. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to clearer objectives, stronger formative structures, holistic methodologies, and greater autonomy for formation houses, ensuring formation that is coherent, mission-oriented, and faithful to the Salesian vocation in today’s context.