Thinking of New Paths in Formation

“Thinking of new paths that until now may have seemed impossible”

Interamerica Region Salesian Formation Meeting Concludes

(ANS – Lima, Peru – September 21, 2026) – With the participation of 18 Salesians involved in formation in the Interamerica Region, a meeting held at the Salesian Sisters’ Laura Vicuña Retreat House in Chaclacayo, Lima, concluded on September 18. Over the course of 4 days, the participants explored the challenges of Salesian formation and, in particular, the implementation of the new Ratio Fundamentalis.

The meeting was coordinated by Fr. Jorge Arley Escobar Arias, regional representative for formation, and was attended by Fr. Silvio Roggia, general councilor for formation, who led the reflection on the new Ratio, presented as “the voice and path of the Congregation.”

One of the key points was understanding that the new Ratio is not merely a regulatory document. Its development was the result of a long process within the Congregation involving listening, consultation, study, and discernment. The process gathered thousands of contributions from communities, groups, and individuals from different parts of the world, culminating in its final draft.

At the end of the meeting, Fr. Roggia encouraged everyone to tackle the new formation challenges creatively: “Anything is possible. Trying something new is positive, provided you use a bit of common sense,” he emphasized, while also inviting everyone “to consider new paths that might previously have seemed impossible, given the profound changes that young people, society, and the Congregation itself are currently experiencing.”

During the closing Mass, the general councilor highlighted one of the cornerstones of the new edition: recognizing and firmly upholding the Preventive System as the guiding principle of all Salesian formation.

“Principle” means a starting point. From this perspective, the Preventive System is not merely a method for educating young people, but also the Salesian way of relating to one another, accompanying one another, and forming one another. Reason, religion, and loving kindness thus permeate the formative experience and help to build communities capable of living with “one heart and one soul.”

The reflections over these days also served as a reminder that formation is lifelong: it doesn’t end with the novitiate, postnovitiate, practical training, or theological studies, but accompanies the entire life of a Salesian of Don Bosco.

A significant part of the meeting took place through group work, bringing the guidelines of the Ratio into dialog with the reality of the provinces of Interamerica. The regional assessment highlighted that there is extensive experience of interprovincial collaboration, particularly in novitiates, postnovitiates, and theological colleges, but that this wealth of experience requires greater coordination, continuity, and shared criteria.

Among the challenges identified as priorities were the preparation of formators, directors, and mentors; the structure and unity of formation processes; psychological fragility and human, emotional, and sexual maturity; and formation in the digital and virtual world, social media, and artificial intelligence, among others.

The work was not limited to diagnosis alone. The groups began to define objectives, processes, and concrete measures, including regional programs for formators and directors, a culture of accompaniment and discernment, meaningful pastoral experiences with poor and vulnerable young people, greater intercultural integration, and systematic proposals for ongoing formation.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, a fundamental task was set: to know the Ratio, to make it one’s own, to disseminate it and, above all, to live it out. As Fr. Roggia emphasized, the real challenge begins now, and he reiterated: “It’s important to ensure that the Ratio ceases to be merely a book and becomes a way of life and a formation journey for every Salesian and every community.”

The meeting proved to be a valuable experience of unity and cross-cutting collaboration. On the final day, alongside in-depth discussions on the topics presented by Fr. Jorge Escobar, regional formation coordinator, and the general councilor for formation, the proposals from the formation centers in Berkeley and Quito were also outlined.

Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez from Berkeley presented the various formation initiatives they’re developing, the results achieved in recent years, and the services they offer to both Salesians and lay people, thereby contributing to ongoing formation processes.

Fr. Walter Jara from the Salesian center in Quito, presented the initiatives and programs developed in recent years, as well as the guiding principles and working criteria that underpin his formation program. Both presentations provided a better understanding of the resources available to the region and the opportunities for collaboration to support Salesian formation.

Bro. Travis Gunther (3d from left in photo), delegate for formation of the New Rochelle Province, took part in the meeting.