Divine Word Missionaries

SVD Formation

SVD Formation

AFRAM ZONAL FORMATORS’ COURSE

Thomas Malipurathu, SVD

A month-long workshop for selected formators of the AFRAM Zone took place at the Divine Word Catholic Conference Centre (DWCCC) in Adoagyiri-Nsawam (GHA) from June 12 to July 11, 2011. Conceived of as an ongoing formation programme for both formators actually involved in the ministry and prospective formators, a total of 18 confreres from different AFRAM provinces participated in it. Fr. John Asiedu, presently the prefect of theologians at the Common Formation Centre in Tamale, Ghana, was the chief organizer of the course. With the whole-hearted support of the Ghana provincial, Fr. Thomas D’Mello, and other confreres, he did a remarkable job in attending to all the logistical and other details of the programme.

Aware that the present-day formation of religious-missionaries is a complex process, the group took up for study and reflection a number of topics of contemporary relevance. Competent resource persons provided inspiring input on topics such as personality theory, basic counselling skills, programmes of formation at different levels, assessment of candidates, psychological and family trends of the young generation of today, challenges of spiritual direction, interculturality, SVD spirituality and missionary charism today, etc. The generalate secretary for formation and education, Fr. Thomas Malipurathu, acquainted the participants with the principles of SVD formation enshrined in the latest generalate document entitled “Re-imagining the Pathways of Our Common Vocational Journey: Some Orientations”. A guided retreat supervised by Fr. Peter Dusicka of AJSC, Steyl, brought the worthy journey lasting a full month to a fine conclusion. As the participants left for their respective provinces they were confident of having gone through an excellent learning experience.