Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Online Event, October 13, 2021 – In their commitment to ongoing formation Salesians under the midlife bracket, that is, those 30 to 60 years old attended an online conference on Midlife. Mrs. Joji Orendain-Racelis who specializes in Erickson-Jung psychology facilitated the three-day conference on Zoom. The conference was organized by the Commission on Formation led by Fr. Andy Mendoza, SDB and was attended by 53 Salesian priests and brothers.

The midlife is considered to be the most dynamic and opportunity-filled stage of life where a person can integrate their past experiences towards a stronger self-identity and meaning. Understanding this key stage of life is important for Salesians to grow deeper in the commitment and love for their vocation and mission.

The conference will continue for three days. The first day focused on the pre-midlife stages of Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development. The second day will be on the midlife stage itself under the Erickson-Jung framework. The third day will be an integration on how to deal with midlife.

Salesian formation does not end in perpetual profession or in ordination, but continues on as “formation through life” in on-going formation. Through conferences like this, our Salesians will come to understand themselves better and in understanding, come to grasp their identity as signs and bearers of God’s love to the young.