The theme was developed in the light of the Salesian charism, while at the same time adopting non-exclusive Salesian points of view and approaches.
In the first place, the formators stressed, in the various exchanges, that the topics addressed are to be experienced first-hand by the individual members of the formation team.
The course was attended by speakers such as
– Fr Christof Betschart, OCD, Dean of the Pontifical Theological Faculty and of the Teresianum Institute of Spirituality, who reminded those present that one must not stop at focusing on the quantity of activities, but to aim for quality, so as to assimilate and answer the questions that arise in one's heart;
– Fr Eunan Mcdonnell SDB, who focused on the figure of St Francis de Sales, highlighting the return to the heart, with the fundamental question: "To whom does your heart belong?";
– Dr Anna Campiotti Marazza, clinical psychologist, who indicated to those present: "The human being is always called";
– Lastly, Fr Giuseppe Roggia, SDB, who emphasised that interiority must be discovered, constructed and inhabited in the knowledge that it is always tested by isolation, and that it must be internalised in communion.
Each address was from people of experience and accompanied by opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing to improve the formation service for young confreres.
The days took place in a serene and genuinely fraternal atmosphere, also through a guided tour of the churches of San Saba and Santa Sabina in the Aventine district of Rome. On the last day, there was an effort to reflect, analyse and dream of a beautiful future for the formation of the Salesian Congregation in Italy.
