(ANS – Dili) – The training seminar for trainers of the Salesian Region East Asia-Oceania (AEO) concluded with a study and reflection led by Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councilor for Formation, on the theme “Formation for a solid Salesian consecrated identity in a fluid world” (as reported during the Joint Visit to the AEO Region last February), followed by a suggestion on the style of formation appropriate to the current times, the result of a group sharing carried out between representatives of each Province, Vice-Province and Provincial Delegation of the Region.
The event was organized by the “Saint Calixte Caravario” Province of East Timor from November 9 to 18, 2024, preceded by the meeting of the Regional Commission for AEO training, and addressed as the main theme “The presence and role of women in education today. Although it was interrupted due to a volcanic eruption near Bali, Indonesia, which caused the cancellation of several flights to Dili, the seminar nevertheless took place successfully and participants were able to reflect on biblical and Salesian themes of great interest and relevance.
More specifically, the following topics were discussed:
– the presence and role of women in the lives of Jesus and Don Bosco, like women in 1st century Palestine;
– the presence of women in the life and ministry of Jesus;
– encounters between Jesus and women in the Gospel of John: the point of view of a trainer;
– the woman: the symbols of the book of Revelation and the implications for Salesian formation;
– Mary, the woman of the Word;
– Don Bosco and women.
In addition to all this, the seminar was able to benefit from the precious presence of Mrs. Dr. Gabrielle McMullen, professor of Theology, who helped the assembly to delve into various current topics of the current era, which go hand in hand with the trend of synodality in the Church. They were:
– The call of baptism;
– New ministries in the Church and training for ministry.
The common methodology used included contributions from speakers, followed by time for reflection and group discussion. As Fr. Rogelio Miranda, belonging to the “Philippe Rinaldi” Vice Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS), observed: “Contribution is very important, but conversation and exchange of Ideas between participants are the most valuable part of the seminar. We really learned a lot from each other; and our mentalities and our horizons have broadened considerably by listening or witnessing what our confreres are doing in different contexts of the Region and the creativity of each circumscription to implement our charism in its own context.”
The seminar demonstrated its significance in the convergence of the points of view of the participants, that is to say the indispensability and necessity of the involvement and empowerment of the laity, and in particular of women, in Salesian formation , despite the discomfort or reluctance felt by some.
P. Anthony Nguyen Dung
Of women and ensuring they have a voice in leadership is vital for the future of our educational mission.
Interview with Mr. Jack Smith and Sr. Jane Doe:
Jack Smith: Mr. Smith, a prominent educator and trainer from Australia, expresses his thoughts on the significance of the training seminar for the Salesian Region East Asia-Oceania.
Sr. Jane Doe: Sr. Jane Doe, a respected theologian and gender equality advocate from New Zealand, shares her insights on the role of women in the Salesian community and in education.
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Mr. Smith and Sr. Doe. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about the training seminar for the Salesian Region East Asia-Oceania. Can you briefly introduce yourselves and your background in the Salesian community?
Jack Smith: Of course! My name is Jack Smith, and I am a trainer with the Salesian community in Australia. I have been working with youth for over 15 years now, particularly in the areas of education and spiritual formation. I was excited to attend this seminar as it offered an opportunity to learn from my colleagues in the region and explore new ideas in Salesian formation.
Sr. Jane Doe: I am Sr. Jane Doe, a theologian and advocate for gender equality in the Church. I am based in New Zealand, and my work primarily focuses on empowering women in leadership roles within the Church and promoting inclusive education. I was honored to be invited to this seminar and share my thoughts on the role of women in Salesian formation.
Interviewer: Great. Let’s dive into the topic of the seminar. The training focused on the Salesian Consecrated Identity and the role of women in education. How significant do you think this topic is for the Salesian community in the current times?
Jack Smith: I believe it’s extremely significant. In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s crucial that we adapt and evolve our formation practices to stay relevant. Understanding the dynamics of gender and the important role women play in education can only strengthen our community and our mission.
Sr. Jane Doe: I completely agree with you, Jack. The Church and the Salesian community have been going through a paradigm shift in recent years, with an emphasis on synodality and inclusivity. Recognizing the contributions
