As recommended by the Action Plan of the last Provincial Congress of our South-East India province, on-going formation program for priests from one year to ten years was organized by Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, msfs, the councillor in-charge of formation at Gonzaga Animation Center, Edayarpalaym, Pondicherry from Jan 13 – 15, 2020. There were 32 participants and five confreres were absent and a few of them were excused due to pastoral reasons. The resource person was Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil, Msfs and he concentrated his talks on theme “Rekindle the Gift of God within You” (2Tim 1:6). He exposed in his presentation the call and challenges of biblical personalities like Elisha the prophet, Aaron the priest, and Moses the Leader. He emphasized and explained the various aspects of leadership qualities in the context of religious life and the importance of growing in the graced-relationship with God and others in the community.

The talks were thought-provoking and inspiring to revitalize our passion for effective pastoral ministry and motivating personal and spiritual growth. All the fathers enjoyed the talks, the food and accommodation. It was indeed a wonderful moment of fraternal gathering, prayer, personal sharing and relaxation. On behalf of the Province, I express a wholehearted thanks to Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil for his generosity to guide our fathers for two days in their prayer, reflection and sharing. I express my gratitude to all the fathers, who earnestly participated in the programs and to the Sisters of the Gonzaga community for taking care of us with love and affection. On the last session of the second day, there was opportunity for all the participants to share their personal experiences and expectations in their religious communities and pastoral ministries.

Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, Msfs