The morning of September 22, 2023, marked a significant milestone for the Salesians (SDBs) and Lay Mission Partners (LaMPs) of Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) as they embarked on their inaugural joint Salesianity Formation journey. Under the guidance of Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, the president of Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), this program represents a collaborative effort between DBTC and DBST Institute of Spirituality and Salesian Studies (DBST-ISSS), aimed at nurturing the Salesian spirit among its participants.

With a palpable sense of enthusiasm and dedication, the SDBs & LaMPs of DBTC eagerly embraced the opportunity to further nurture the dream and ideals of Salesian spirituality. The program, consisting of nine sessions, promises to be an enriching experience for all involved.

The curriculum outlined for this Salesianity Formation comprises three distinct components:

1. Knowledge Component: Understanding the Salesian Legacy

The first component focuses on deepening the knowledge of Salesian history and principles, with a particular emphasis on figures like St. John Bosco. Participants are encouraged to engage in rigorous study, research, and analysis of the historical context in which these influential figures lived and worked. By exploring the impact of these individuals on society, the LMPs hope to recognize how they became influential in their era and environment. This component underscores the importance of understanding one's current context, acknowledging significant life-changing factors, and recognizing their potential influence on the formation of attitudes, beliefs, and dreams.

2. Motivation Component: Discovering the God-Experience

The second component delves into the essence of a person's life, ministry, concerns, and principles to uncover the God-experiences that defined their transformative moments. This exploration seeks to determine whether participants feel a sense of belonging to the legacy of these individuals. Going beyond the acquisition of information, this phase challenges learners to internalize and personalize their understanding, leading them to embrace the same sense of life mission. For educators of the youth, this component emphasizes the importance of aligning with a spirituality that aligns with becoming a missionary for young minds, acknowledging the ever-evolving landscape of generations.

3. Skill Component: Equipping for the Salesian Mission

The final component of the program focuses on developing the necessary skills and abilities to carry forward the Salesian legacy effectively. Participants are encouraged to envision themselves as part of the mission left behind by these esteemed figures. Skill-building aims to equip learners with the ability and agility to adapt to different circumstances and situations they may encounter while working with the youth. This is not a mere experimental endeavor but rooted in time-tested pedagogical methods. Emphasizing the preventive system of education championed by St. John Bosco, this component underscores the importance of creating environments where friends can meet, where one feels a sense of belonging, where development and maturation occur, and where the freedom of being a child of God is encountered and nurtured.

The inaugural joint SDB & LaMP Salesianity Formation program holds great promise in fostering a deep and lasting connection to the Salesian spirit and legacy. As these dedicated individuals embark on this transformative journey, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a brighter future for the youth they will serve.