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A two-day meeting for Salesian brothers was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on March 3-4, 2025. The event focused on building positive self-image and self-esteem, led by Fr. Donthireddy Raja SDB. The meeting commenced with a prayer and a warm welcome by Fr. Michael Kishore, the Vice Provincial.
Fr. Raja led the brothers through a series of reflections, stressing that self-worth is not based on external validation, but on recognizing one’s identity as a child of God. He explained how personal confidence, humility, and spiritual maturity are interconnected, shaping individual growth and apostolic effectiveness. The role of community in building self-esteem was also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement and fraternal support. The meet also discussed the impact of low self-esteem on religious life, particularly for those preparing to be future leaders. Fr. Raja noted that insecurity, self-doubt, and fear of failure can hinder a religious from fully embracing his mission. To counter this, the concept of healthy self-esteem was proposed, based on a balanced view of oneself, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses with humility and openness.
Fr. Raja introduced the Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, which provide a foundation for personal growth and confidence. These pillars include Living Consciously, Self-Acceptance, Self-Responsibility, Self-Assertiveness, Living Purposefully, and Personal Integrity. The importance of resilience was also emphasized, encouraging the brothers to develop a mindset that embraces difficulties as opportunities for growth. The meeting concluded with a prayer, thanking God for the enriching experience and seeking His continued guidance. The brothers expressed gratitude to Fr. Michael Kishore, Fr. Raja, and the organizing team for the valuable insights and practical wisdom shared during the meet.
