The Ratio Dissemination-cum-Training Programme for the South Asia Region is being held at Don Bosco Provincial House (DBPH), Shillong, from 9 to 11 August 2026, bringing together Salesian formators for a focused programme on the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis et Studiorum, the fundamental document guiding the formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Province is represented by Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim, Vice Provincial and Formation delegate, Fr Ethelbert Minj, Rector Sirajuli and Fr Mackley Gomes, Director Pre-novitiate, Dotma.

The three-day programme features prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, Lectio Divina, interactive sessions, group sharing, personal reading, and discussions aimed at deepening the participants’ understanding and implementation of the Ratio. The programme commenced with a welcome programme on the morning of 9 August 2026. Rev. Fr. Silvio Roggia, SDB, General Councillor for Formation, said that the Ratio is a document from Rome that “captures the mind and the heart of the Salesians.” He explained that the Ratio was written in English and translated into other languages of the world. Rev. Fr. Ivo Coelho, SDB, said that the Ratio is a document that will accompany young people.

The welcome programme was followed by Lectio Divina led by Fr. Ivo Coelho. The sessions also included an introduction to the dynamics of the training programme, as well as the screening of videos related to the promulgation of the Ratio by Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major and a message by Rev. Fr. Pascual Chávez.

The second day focuses particularly on the dimensions of formation contained in the Ratio. Participants engage in group sharing and a General Assembly, followed by a session on the Five Dimensions. Further sessions explore lifelong formation, learning by experience, and discernment. The programme also provides time for personal reading and reflection on Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of the Ratio, together with the Appendix on Pastoral Accompaniment.

On the final day, participants will take part in province-wise group discussions on good practices and challenges in formation. The programme will also address the role of the Provincial Formation Delegate and the Provincial Formation Commission, particularly in the light of Chapter 6.4 of the Ratio. A further session will consider practical suggestions for the dissemination of the Ratio, followed by synthetic observations on the concerns and challenges of the South Asia Region and an evaluation of the programme.

The programme seeks to foster a common understanding of the Ratio among the Salesians of the South Asia Region and to encourage its effective dissemination and application in the various provinces and formation communities. Through reflection, dialogue, sharing of experiences, and discernment, the participants are being encouraged to translate the principles of the Ratio into concrete practices of Salesian formation.