A three-day formation programme for fourteen young priests and one coadjutor brother was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel, from November 20, 2025. The event opened with a welcome address by the Vice-Provincial, Father Banzelao Teixeira, who outlined the objectives of the programme and highlighted ten priority areas for Salesian life and ministry, based on the guidelines proposed by General Chapter 29 of the Salesians of Don Bosco.



The main resource person for the programme was Father Joe Kokkandathil SDB, who conducted seven sessions on emotional hygiene. His practical and interactive methodology kept the participants fully engaged throughout the first two days. Day two also included guided meditation and hypnotic sleep exercises led by Father Kokkandathil. The final day featured two sessions by Father Allwyn D’Souza on, The Identity of a Priest and The Priest as a Dispenser of the Sacraments. The concluding conference, When Shepherds Suffer in Silence, was presented by Father Teixeira.



Participants expressed deep appreciation for the training on emotional hygiene. Father Ronald Vaz, a young priest, emphasised the importance of caring for one’s emotional life, stating, when emotions are left unattended, the harm caused is far greater than we can ever imagine. Father Royal Fernandes likewise noted that the programme helped him find balance and express his emotions in healthier ways.

The programme concluded with the informal release of Young Saints for Young People, a compilation of prayer services, recollection talks, and adoration materials prepared by Father Nigel Pinto SDB, an initiative of the young priests of the province.