The participants of the South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC) along with Rev Fr Silvio Roggia SDB, Formation Councilor during the SAFC meeting at Odxel, Goa.
The South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC) inaugurated its annual meeting on 1st August 2025 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel, Goa, bringing together Formation Delegates and Vice Provincials from all Salesian Provinces of South Asia for days of deliberation, discernment, and planning. Rev Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial attended the meeting on behalf of the province.
The programme commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Silvio Roggia SDB, General Councillor for Formation. In his homily, Fr. Roggia underlined the collective mission of the Salesian Family in the work of formation. “Formation is the responsibility of every Salesian,” he emphasized, calling on the members to become active agents in guiding young people toward discovering and embracing their divine vocation.
During the inaugural function, Rev. Fr. Clive Telles SDB, Provincial of the Panjim Province, welcomed the members with a message of encouragement and urgency. “You have the responsibility to show us the way,” he remarked, urging the delegates to take seriously the task of vocation animation. Fr. Roggia, in his keynote address, commended the Salesian spirit present among the members and reminded them to imitate Don Bosco’s zeal in guiding the youth. He expressed hope that the meeting would be a grace-filled opportunity for deeper reflection and bold decisions regarding formation in the region.
Following the opening, Bro. Raymond Callo SDB led the group in a Lectio Divina, anchoring the gathering spiritually. This set the tone for the sessions that followed, beginning with Rev. Fr. Banzelao Teixeira SDB, SAFC Coordinator, presenting the annual report on the implementation of the Lines of Action for 2024–2025.
Rev. Bro. James Markus SDB, SPCSA Delegate for the Salesian Brothers, shared key updates on the implementation of the SA-Salesian Brothers’ Congress resolutions. He raised important concerns about the promotion, formation, and sustenance of Salesian Brother vocations, a matter close to the heart of the congregation’s identity and charism.
The day concluded with a session led by Rev. Fr. Ashley Miranda SDB, Provincial-designate of Mumbai, on GC29 – A Formation Perspective. Participants engaged in group discussions, fostering active sharing of insights. Their reflections were later compiled and presented through group secretaries.
As the meeting progresses, the members of the SAFC remain committed to strengthening collaboration and renewing their dedication to the mission of forming Salesians who are deeply rooted in Christ and passionately committed to the young, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
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