By Afia Enosa SDB

Melbourne, Australia, 10 October 2023 -- The Quinquennium is a regular program that provides ongoing formation for newly ordained Salesian priests and perpetually professed brothers. This year's event saw twelve Salesian confreres coming together to share their experiences and challenges faced in their ministry work. It was an opportunity for confreres living in Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and different parts of Australia to come together to re-energize their commitment to the Salesian mission and deepen their understanding of the charism of Don Bosco. This program helps young Salesians to know each other well and to encourage Salesian vocations, fosters intercultural dialogue, and promotes shared practices. It was a three-day program and it was a remarkable opportunity for all confreres who participated to pinpoint positive and negative impacts on their journey and to find solutions to their challenges.

Brother Stan Rossato SDB, gave a talk about the richness of Don Bosco's dream and how the congregation was established from a simple dream of John Bosco. He encouraged young Salesians to dream big and work on those dreams for the future of young people. He stressed that building up tomorrow requires us to confront the challenges we face today.

Father Anthony Dung Nguyen SDB (Delegate of Formation) spoke about the demand for vocations and the lack of it not only in our province but also other Salesian Provinces around the world. He addressed various issues such as vocational fragility, vocational identity uncertainty, insecurities, lack of human maturity, prayer life, and confusion of values among Salesians from different countries. Father Anthony emphasized that if we don't see God in our community duties and confreres, we will never encounter God in our pastoral fields. “My dear brothers, know who you are and your identity as a Salesian and the reason why you became the person you are today” he said.

Father William Matthews SDB (Provincial) shared with the group about the importance of vocation as a priority and the significance of Accompaniment and Spiritual Directors in one's journey. He stressed that becoming a good human being, a good Christian, and a good religious are the three things young Salesians need to know about their journey as a member of Don Bosco’s family. Father Peter Hoang, SDB (Delegate of Social Communications) concluded the program with his input on growing in knowledge and practice of knowing Don Bosco more deeply. He highlighted the importance of being a responsible Salesian, honest, and growing in maturity to discover and live a good Salesian life.

All confreres returned to their communities with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their ongoing mission with the young.

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