Understanding the Pedagogy of Don Bosco: Spiritual Retreat, Hyderabad

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“The Preventive System of Don Bosco is not just a theory but a spirituality which finds its perfect embodiment in the person of Don Bosco himself,” has been the bottom line of the second annual spiritual retreat of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad. The retreat which commenced on October 15, 2012 has 28 participants and has as its orientation the Pedagogy of Don Bosco, as a means of preparation for the bi-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

Fr Maria Charles sharing his insights during a talk

It is animated by Fr Maria Charles, the delegate of the Youth Pastoral for South-Asia.

Beginning with the foundation of Christ the educator, Fr Maria Charles led the participants, through a series of well prepared talks, to understand and appreciate the rich pedagogical expertise of Don Bosco. With a talk in the morning and one in the evening, and using neat and synthetic presentations, he stressed on the simple but profound aspects of the Salesian Preventive System: assistance, asceticism, experience of the risen Christ, fatherhood of Don Bosco, educative presence amidst the young, educating-evangelising and their culmination in forming the practical charter of our spirituality.

Relying on his extensive knowledge of names, places, dates and instances in the life of Don Bosco and the early days of the oratory, Fr Maria offered sufficient insights into the person and charism of Don Bosco and at times even de-mystifying some aspects of our father and founder. That, coupled with the ample time at hand for personal reflection and prayer, helped the participants interiorize the information and draw lessons for personal growth.

During the morning meditation, Fr Maria Charles covered some relevant topics related to prayer, forgiveness, encounter, and teamwork. Of course, these were generously peppered with examples from the life and times of Don Bosco himself.

Besides the inner spiritual journey carried out personally, the gathered community did pray also for Frs Nagothu Kishore and Banda Suresh whose birthdays were in the retreat week. In the absence of Fr Raminedi Balaraju, the Provincial, Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar (the Vice-Provincial) was present all through, facilitating the various aspects of the retreat. Fr Puthussery Sojan, with great diligence, along with the staff of the Provincial house, Hyderabad, ensured that the material requirements for the participants were taken care of. The retreat concludes on October 20, 2012 (Saturday).