(ANS – Ivato – September 17, 2026) – Following the summer activities in August, known in Madagascar as “FY DON BOSCO,” which were organized and led by local Salesians and postnovices in various Salesian houses across the Great Red Island, the Mary Immaculate Province of Madagascar (MDG) organized a formation program for its young postnovices from August 25 to September 14, 2026.

The first two days focused on understanding, with the help of experts, how to integrate and utilize Artificial Intelligence in Salesian ministry, as well as how to use it correctly and responsibly. The following two days were dedicated to an in-depth study of Don Bosco and religious life, with the aim of renewing the awareness of vocation and Salesian identity among those undergoing Initial Formation.

The remaining days were devoted to reviewing and revitalizing the Congregation’s Manual for Youth Ministry, the Frame of Reference, under the guidance of Fr. Venance Ramasindroavola, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry in the MDG Province.

The purpose of this review was to enable each young Salesian to engage meaningfully with the text, understand it thoroughly, and gradually make it their own. In this way, its content can become increasingly reflected in their way of life and in how they carry out their pastoral mission.

“The aim is to awaken in each person the spirit that led to the drafting of this Frame of Reference and to help them become aware of the richness and depth of its content,” explained the presenter.

The review was organized around a chapter-by-chapter presentation of the Frame of Reference, with particular attention to the essential principles that must never be overlooked in Salesian ministry.

The process included group discussions on the topics covered, along with exercises and question-and-answer sessions that enabled the young religious to better understand the content and connect it with their own pastoral experiences.

“An awareness of the grandeur and richness of this Frame of Reference, an understanding of the complexity of Salesian pastoral work, and an appreciation of the Salesian pastoral journey are a sure path toward carrying out our pastoral responsibilities to the best of our ability and living out the mission entrusted to us with greater awareness and responsibility,” added the MDG Youth Ministry Delegate.

The formation program concluded with a valuable contribution from Fr. Graziano de Lazzari, Vice Provincial, who dedicated significant time to his young confreres to help them recognize the responsibility they carry in accompanying and caring for the Salesian Family.

In his address, he reminded the young religious that the Salesian Family is an essential treasure and source of strength for Don Bosco’s charism. He therefore encouraged them to get to know the Salesian Family, care for it, accompany its members, and foster its growth in the various works where they will serve.

In this regard, he emphasized that this responsibility involves more than simply organizing activities or maintaining relationships with the various groups within the Salesian Family. It requires genuine openness, a willingness to listen, a spirit of collaboration, and fraternal concern for all those who share Don Bosco’s charism.