Formation Is Always Ongoing

“Formation is always ongoing”
Interamerica Salesians reflect on the new Ratio Fundamentalis

(ANS – Lima, Peru – September 16, 2026) – From September 15 to 18, members of the Interamerica Regional Formation Commission (RFC) are meeting at the Laura Vicuña Retreat Centre in Chaclacayo, Lima, to explore the new Ratio Fundamentalis and, in particular, the spirit of renewal it proposes for the formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

“Formation is always and only ongoing formation. If we can already grasp this, we have already taken a great step forward.” With these words, Fr. Silvio Roggia, the Salesian Congregation’s general councilor for formation, outlined the scope of the RFC meeting.

The meeting brings together 18 participants from various countries in the Interamerica Region, coordinated by Fr. Jorge Escobar, regional director and liaison for formation, and prepared and organized by Fr. José Kamza, delegate for formation of the province of Peru. The participants have been brought together to reflect on the challenges posed by the revised Ratio Fundamentalis, the document that guides Salesian formation.

The challenge goes far beyond the study of a text. “We want this group of Salesians of Don Bosco to generate an energy that helps to spread not only the text of the Ratio, but what lies behind it: the spirit of renewal,” said Fr. Roggia.

His words place a crucial issue at the heart of the reflection for the future of the Congregation: formation cannot, in fact, be reduced solely to the initial stages of Salesian life. It is an ongoing process that accompanies one’s entire life and involves every Salesian, the communities, and the provinces.

The new Ratio is not merely a document to be known and disseminated, but an opportunity to renew the way we understand and live the Salesian vocation in today’s world.

“We hope that with the enthusiasm, desire, and positive reception we have encountered in the provinces too, this may become a reality,” Fr. Roggia concluded.

Over these 4 days of work, the members of the RFC are sharing experiences, exploring the guidelines of the Ratio in greater depth, and seeking practical ways to ensure that its spirit can then reach all the Salesian communities in the region.

Bro. Travis Gunther, formation delegate for the New Rochelle Province, is taking part in the meeting.