A four-day programme on Affective Maturity was organized for the Pre-novices of Don Bosco Pre-Novitiate, Dotma, from 17th to 20th August 2026. The programme was animated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Thelekkatt, SDB.
The initiative was conducted in keeping with the directives of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis et Studiorum, which underscores affective maturity as an integral dimension of initial formation for consecrated life.
The programme commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Mackley Gomes, director, welcomed Fr. Joseph Thelekkatt and thanked him for his availability to accompany the Pre-novices. In his address, he exhorted the participants to approach the sessions with openness, sincerity and a spirit of personal growth.
Over the course of four days, Fr. Joseph Thelekkatt dealt extensively with various facets of affective maturity, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, responsible exercise of freedom, healthy interpersonal relationships, community living and vocational commitment. Through his inputs, the Pre-novices were helped to understand their emotions and feelings and to respond to them in a mature and responsible manner.
The sessions were made enriching through inputs, guided personal reflection, interactive sharing, practical examples and question-answer sessions. The participants were encouraged to examine honestly their personal experiences, strengths, limitations and areas calling for growth.
Special emphasis was laid on the significance of affective maturity in religious and community life. The Pre-novices were reminded that authentic maturity entails the ability to listen, to understand and respect differences, to manage conflicts positively, to foster healthy relationships and to live responsibly with others.
The programme provided a valuable opportunity for the Pre-novices to pause, introspect and deepen their self-understanding and vocational clarity, reaffirming that human maturity forms the essential foundation for spiritual and vocational maturity.
The programme concluded with a word of gratitude to Rev. Fr. Joseph Thelekkatt, SDB, for his insightful guidance and enriching accompaniment. It proved to be a meaningful step in the ongoing formation journey of the Pre-novices, inspiring them to grow into mature, emotionally balanced, responsible and generous persons committed to their Salesian vocation.
News Courtesy: Fr Ajay Xaxa SDB
