RECTORS' FORMATION

RECTORS’ FORMATION – AFM-ZMB

Some 18 Salesians coming from Lesotho, eSwatini, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia came for five full days (January 15-19) for the leadership training - 'Rectors’ formation' to Bosco Youth Centre in Johannesburg, guided by SAFCAM - Salesian Formation Africa - Madagascar (Fr Camiel Swertvagher and Fr Gerald Ukeme Umoh, SDB). 

In the wonderful summer environment of Bosco Youth Centre, amidst the beautiful and serene nature, the participants, both newly appointed Rectors (AFM vice province) and soon-to-be-appointed Rectors (ZMB vice province) went every day through 3 sessions, tailored along the Salesian Animation and Governance of the Salesian Community (Rectors’ Handbook, ed. 2020). The training provided a valuable platform for a deeper understanding of Salesian leadership skills, philosophy and methods. 

A Salesian Rector is called to be a spiritual guide and effective leader, fostering fraternal communion, animating not only the religious consecrated community of Brothers and Priests, but also a larger 'Educative and Pastoral community' of each Salesian parish, school, social work or youth centre. Younger Salesians learnt from few seniors present their life-long experience of leadership.

The interactive workshops and practical exercises were instrumental in helping us internalize the principles of governance while remaining firmly rooted in our mission to serve young people and the larger community, of hundreds of youth and dozens of lay mission partners. The Salesians also learnt and discuss how to maintain a balance between authority and fraternity.

The program has undoubtedly prepared us to face the challenges of our roles with greater confidence and commitment. It also reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration and mutual support among rectors, ensuring that the spirit of Don Bosco continues to inspire our actions and decisions.

The last fraternal evening with songs and jokes sharing confirmed the Salesian Family spirit that shines as the trademark of the Salesians of Don Bosco.