LSP 4.0 – Rekindling the Heart of Don Bosco: A Transformative Journey in Salesian Education

By Ms. Jancy Dharamraj

LSP 4.0 – Lay Salesian Partners 4.0, themed "An Immersion into the Educational Pedagogy of Don Bosco," was held from 5th to 11th July 2026 at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Road, Pune. Representing Don Bosco High School, Matunga, Ms. Jancy Dharamraj and Ms. Sydelle Mascarenhas had the privilege of participating in this enriching formation programme from Sunday afternoon until Saturday. Each day began in the holy presence of God with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by Lectio Divina, reminding every participant that the vocation of a Salesian educator is deeply rooted in Christ. The programme was exceptionally well organised, with a balanced schedule that provided ample opportunities for prayer, learning, reflection, fellowship, and personal renewal. Every participant was accommodated in a single room, offering precious moments of silence and introspection after each day's sessions. The warm hospitality, excellent accommodation, and delicious meals made the experience even more memorable. Special appreciation goes to Fr. Valerian Pereira and the food committee for their thoughtful care and generous service throughout the week.

The sessions conducted by Fr. Valerian Pereira were inspiring, practical, and profoundly rooted in the Salesian spirit. Through engaging real-life examples, he challenged us to live authentically as Christians rather than hiding behind masks of pretence. Drawing from the life of St. John Bosco, he reminded us that we are called to be credible witnesses of faith, integrity, compassion, and hope. His reflections on the socio-political context of Don Bosco's time, Salesian eco-spirituality, and the enduring relevance of the Rome Letter of 1884 encouraged us to remain faithful to our vocation of educating the young through reason, religion, and loving-kindness. His sessions were a compelling invitation to embrace simplicity, authenticity, and joyful service.

Fr. Ian Doulton guided us into the fragile and often complex world of today's children and adolescents. His insightful sessions on adolescence, the teenage brain, and the realities faced by young people in the twenty-first century equipped us with practical tools to accompany them with patience, empathy, understanding, and unconditional love. One of the most enriching experiences of the programme was the interaction with six young people, where the nineteen participants were divided into four groups for meaningful conversations. Listening to their hopes, struggles, dreams, and challenges helped us understand the realities they face and reminded us that every young person longs to be listened to, understood, accepted, and loved.

The sessions by Sr. Teresa Joseph reflected her vibrant, joyful, and engaging personality. With great warmth, she presented Mamma Margaret as the first educator in Don Bosco's life, beautifully highlighting the indispensable role of maternal love, presence, and accompaniment in Salesian pedagogy. Her lively presentations inspired every participant to recognise that true education begins with genuine love and selfless care.

Mrs. Christina Mascarenhas enriched the programme with her practical and relatable sessions on Salesian Spirituality in a School Setting and Youth and Educators. Drawing extensively from her experiences at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, she demonstrated how the Salesian spirit comes alive through everyday acts of presence, patience, encouragement, discipline with kindness, and sincere concern for every child. Her numerous real-life examples illustrated that Salesian education is not merely a philosophy but a lived experience expressed through classroom interactions, playground presence, and meaningful relationships that make every young person feel loved, valued, and welcomed. Her sessions inspired us to become authentic educators who teach not only with knowledge but with the heart of Don Bosco.

Equally unforgettable were the profound and spiritually enriching sessions by Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, particularly on The Dream at Nine and The Lay Element in the Salesian Family. His reflections were deeply moving, thought-provoking, and filled with spiritual depth. As he unfolded the significance of Don Bosco's dream and the vital role of the laity in the Salesian mission, I found myself deeply touched, even moved to tears, as I reflected on the immense responsibility entrusted to every Salesian educator. His words rekindled within us a renewed passion to live the Salesian vocation with conviction, generosity, and unwavering commitment.

Fr. Blany Pinto beautifully summarised the essence of the entire week's formation under the theme of Salesian accompaniment. He emphasised the vital role of every Salesian educator in touching the hearts, minds, and lives of the young, accompanying them with love and compassion so that they grow into responsible, independent individuals and good citizens of the nation. Through his simplicity, humility, and deep conviction, he delivered an inspiring, motivating, and thought-provoking session that brought together the key learnings of the programme and renewed our commitment to the Salesian mission.

LSP 4.0 was far more than a training programme; it was a profound journey of faith, renewal, and personal transformation. It deepened our understanding of Don Bosco's educational vision and strengthened our resolve to educate the young with the mind and heart of Don Bosco through the Preventive System of reason, religion, and loving-kindness. Just as Jesus entrusted His mission to His twelve disciples, who carried His message of hope and salvation to the ends of the earth, may we, the nineteen participants of LSP 4.0, become faithful ambassadors of the Salesian charism. May we continue to touch hearts, transform lives, and inspire every young person entrusted to our care, leading them closer to God through our witness, compassionate accompaniment, and joyful service in the true spirit of Don Bosco.