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Fr. Sudhakar Bellamkonda of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad (INH) defended his thesis for licentiate in Spiritual Theology, with a specialisation in Youth Spirituality, on June 10, 2013 at the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome.
The thesis titled “The Narrative Spirituality of Don Bosco based on his Biographies of Dominic Savio, Michael Magone and Francis Besucco,” was guided by Prof. Aldo Giraudo, one of the current leading authorities on Salesian Spirituality. Complimenting Fr. Bellamkonda, Prof. Giraudo said: “a theme such as this is not that simple to research,” and added “bringing together narration and spirituality is something very demanding by way of research.”
Amidst accolades, Fr. Bellamkonda expressed his satisfaction on having worked on this theme saying, “it is an experience that will stand me in good stead, especially in the ministry that I am about to take up, on behalf of the youth at risk.” He further stressed, “Don Bosco’s style of working with these three boys has inspired me tremendously with clear perspectives for my life, and this process has enabled me to grow in my understanding of Don Bosco’s spirituality of creating saints even out of his ‘little rascals’!”
Crisp summary aided by personalised reflective responses, ensured that Fr. Bellamkonda earned the appreciation conferred on him by the panel of examiners. Thanks to Fr. Bellamkonda’s thesis, ‘Narrative Spirituality,’ may well become a spirituality specific to the Salesian style of ministering to the young. Kudos to the researcher for the effort, and the successful outcome.
