By Fr. Bernie Graham, SDB

Melbourne, Australia - The annual Formation Gathering (Quinquennium) for the young Salesians in the Australia-Pacific Province was held from 28 – 31 August in Melbourne. Eight Salesians who are early in their Salesian ministry were present – three priests, two deacons and three brothers, representing three provinces (AUL, KOR and THA – Cambodia) and six nationalities (Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Vietnam, India and Korea). The presence of Fr V Klement, our EAO Regional Councillor for part of the program added to this truly international and interprovincial gathering.

The Program was planned and coordinated by Fr Phil Gleeson, Delegate for Formation. It was divided into two main sections. Mr Chris Morris, a lecturer in Spirituality, lead four sessions on Mindfulness, Contemplation and the Interior Life during which he provided insights and techniques that allowed all to deepen the ‘contemplative’ element of our Salesian vocation. In the second part of the program Fr Bernie Graham lead three sessions on Salesian Youth Ministry during which he began to unpack the Salesian Youth Ministry: Frame of Reference document and share its content and challenges, thus focusing on the ‘in action’ component of our Vocation.

Fr Vaclav Klement and Fr Greg Chamber, AUL Provincial also attended part of the program and each celebrated the Eucharist with the group. Fr Klement also led a session and Fr P Gleeson coordinated the final session which focused on some of the emerging issues facing young Salesians in their ministry. Three of the participants gave the Good Nights, reflecting on their particular ministerial and life experience.