(ANS – Shillong) – The General Councillor for Formation, Fr. Silvio Roggia, SDB, presented the new Salesian Ratio in English and presented the first copy to Fr. Ivo Coelho, former General Councillor for Formation and currently Rector of the Divyadaan Center in Nashik. Present at the launch ceremony were Fr. John Zosiama, Superior of the Shillong, India Province (INS), Formation Delegates from across the South Asia Region, and formators taking part in the program specifically designed to introduce the new Ratio, held from August 9–11 at the Provincial House in Shillong.

The Presentation of the New Ratio

Speaking at the presentation, Fr. Roggia described the occasion as a moment of pride, particularly as many of those directly involved in Salesian formation in South Asia were present. The presentation, he said, was “a moment of pride for the entire South Asia Region.”

It is a document that “captures the minds and hearts of the Salesians,” said Fr. Roggia, while Fr. Coelho pointed out that it serves as a guide for young people on their formation journey.

During the ceremony, Fr. Banzalao Teixeira, Coordinator of the South Asia Formation Commission, described the launch event as “a significant moment in the life of our Congregation.” He also recalled that the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, promulgated the fifth edition of the Ratio in Rome on January 26, 2026.

Fr. Teixeira went on to state that the Ratio is “much more than a book,” describing it as a guide for the formation of Salesians that provides fundamental guidelines and directives for formation in Salesian apostolic religious life, while keeping formation closely linked to the Congregation’s mission.

He acknowledged the contribution of two Successors of Don Bosco who guided the revision process. Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime initiated the challenging task of updating the Ratio, while Fr. Fabio Attard brought it to completion, entrusting its implementation to the Congregation.

“The Ratio is also our book,” said Fr. Teixeira, emphasizing that it is the fruit of the work, reflection, and contributions of numerous Salesians – young and old, formators and those in formation – from different parts of the Salesian world. The document, he added, reflects the experience and wisdom of the Congregation across cultures and continents.

Fr. Teixeira gave special recognition to the contributions of Fr. Roggia y Fr. Coelho, whose years of dedicated service to Salesian formation were closely linked to the preparation of the new Ratio.

Referring to Fr. Roggia’s commitment to formation, Fr. Teixeira highlighted his 19 years of missionary service in West Africa, including Nigeria, and his roles as Prenovitiate Director, Novice Master, Vice Provincial, and Regional Coordinator for Formation.

He also praised Fr. Roggia’s love for the Congregation, his team spirit, his intellectual depth, and his commitment to learning from the Church, the Congregation, and the contemporary world.

In conclusion, he paid tribute to Fr. Coelho, recalling his service in the formation communities in Nashik and Jerusalem, his term as Provincial of Mumbai, and his 12 years as General Councillor for Formation. Fr. Teixeira also highlighted his approach to formation, which respects the freedom of the candidate while encouraging each person to embrace their vocation with conviction and responsibility.

A Text to Be Shared

During the three-day event introducing the new Ratio, introductory videos by the Rector Major, Fr. Attard, and the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr. Pascual Chávez, SDB, were first screened. A series of sessions then addressed the five dimensions of formation, as well as the themes of ongoing formation, experiential learning, and discernment. Participants also reflected individually on Chapters 10, 11, and 12, as well as on the Appendix on pastoral accompaniment.

The final day was devoted to discussing best practices in the field of formation and strategies for disseminating the new text at the local level.