Posted On: 07 August, 2025

A five-day training program on 'Formation towards Affective Maturity' was organised by the South Asian Formation Commission (SAFC) at Don Bosco Provincial house, Chennai from 7-11 August 2025. The 38 participants were priests and nuns serving as formators in novitiates and other formation houses, coming from various congregations. The program aimed at familiarising the formators with the manual designed for the Novitiate on "Formation towards psycho-sexual and celibate integration."

Fr. Biju Michael, the regional councillor of South East Asia, celebrated the inaugural Eucharist and set the tone for the program with his insights on Affective Maturity. He highlighted that Affective Maturity occurs when there is an integration of our thoughts, words, and actions in synchrony with God's will. The experts from the field, Fr. Joy Kaipan, Sr. Josmy Jose and Fr. Johny Nedungat, were resource persons for the same. Fr. Joy Kaipan addressed the themes: 'Human sexuality', 'Sexual orientiation' and 'Celibate living.' He emphasized the necessity to be integrated persons in order to form integrated individuals in our respective formative settings. The inputs on 'Emotional Health', 'Self-awareness' and 'Gender Sensitivity' were given by Sr. Josmy Jose. Fr. Johny dealt with the themes related to handling one's sexual feelings and addressed the challenges in this area. He focused on providing the necessary ways and means to live a sexually integrated life.

On the last day, Fr. Banzelao, the South Asian Formation delegate brought the training to a definite closure by speaking on the following topics: 'Respecting boundaries' and 'Preventive system & growth in Affective Maturity.' All in all, the inputs intended to equip the formators to create a healthy ambience in their respective formation settings, in order to bring about a holistic formation of the formees. Sr. Rona, a beneficiary of the program, said, "The training had an enriching effect on the participants as the content of the sessions were complemented with real-life examples and experiences."

The course for the formators came to an end with a spiritually enriching journey, visiting several historic and revered shrines in Chennai. Our pilgrimage included stops at Santhome Basilica, St. Thomas Mount, and Little Mount, each holding significant importance in the Christian faith. These sites provided a profound opportunity for reflection and devotion. The program culminated with a grand dinner at St. Bede's, where members came together to share experiences and bond over the shared spiritual journey. The evening was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and gratitude, marking a fitting conclusion to a memorable day of faith and fellowship.