By Fr. Jerome Quinto, SDB

       Cabuyao, Laguna, The Philippines, 18 October 2022— Salesian Priests in their Quinquennial Formation Years (first five years of their priestly ministry) learn the basics of Salesian Accompaniment during their First Formative Encounter this school year held in La Sofia Sky View Bed and Breakfast, Casile, Cabuyao Laguna, from October 11–13, 2022.

       Fr. Jake Lopez SDB, Rector of the Prenoviate Formation House, and the Provincial Delegate of the Commission on Formation (FIN) facilitated the three-day workshop. The experience was intended for all FIN Salesians in their quinquennial years, however, the brothers are still on their Pilgrimage in honor of Saint Artemide Zatti, and so only the following priests were able to join:

       Fr. Jose Isidro Torres SDB, APPA of DB Tarlac;

       Fr. Jarmy Reignier Roxas SDB, APPA of DB Bacolor;

       Fr. Cyril Noel SDB, GS Spiritual Moderator of DB Makati; and

       Fr. April Jerome Quinto SDB, Deputy Principal of DB Tarlac.

       Fr. Edwin Ulanday SDB, in harge of Quinquennial Formation, organized the event making sure that the encounter is formative, fraternal, and fun. It was the first time since 2020 that the confreres were able to come together in person for this formative encounter. There were six seminar-workshop sessions and time in the evening for fellowship and sharing. Meals filled not only their stomachs but also their hearts, sharing not only delicious food but stories and memories.

       Fr. Jake designed the seminar-workshop to be interactive and clinical. He shared his experience from the month-long training he had in Rome last summer and the various opportunities he had to accompany someone as a spiritual guide. The participants agreed that they received a solid foundation and a good clinical experience of Salesian Accompaniment—of being guided guides for the young, especially those most in need.

       The participants thank their respective communities for allowing them to have this much-awaited encounter. Their gratitude also goes to Fr. Elu for arranging the logistics, finances, and all the small details with it to make this happen.

       The next Quinquennial Formative Encounter will be on January 2023.

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