Estoril (Portugal). On 27 and 28 December 2025, a formation meeting for the Local Councils of the Our Lady of Fatima Province (POR) was held at the Estoril Provincial headquarters on the topic of Communicating According to the Charism – 5 FMA Paths. All the Houses were present at the meeting, with almost all the FMAs from the local Councils.
Alternating theoretical presentation with activities that helped internalize the importance of this topic in personal and community life, Filipa Barbosa and Sister Diana Arrobas, of the Province Communications Team, presented the topic through five paths to follow to be faithful to the Salesian Charism left by Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.
These metaphorical paths represent vital orientations for continuity and fidelity to the Preventive System, understood as life and educational method:
- Path of Identity. The basis of communication is being and being present.
- Path of Relations. Communicating is accompanying, in the simplicity that generates closeness.
- Path of Educommunication. Creating ecosystems that educate.
- Path of the Digital. Living in the courtyard where the young people are.
- Path of Community. Communicate to build communion.
Throughout the days, new ways were proposed to formalize the essential content of the educational style, Salesian presence, accompaniment, and closeness. “Study to make yourself loved, if you want to be loved”; “Love what young people love, so that they love what we love.”
It has emerged that, although the form and language have changed, the content remains the same. It is therefore necessary to update ourselves to better reach young people and help them “be good Christians and honest citizens,” and it is essential not to ignore these new forms to be the educators the Father desires.
One morning was dedicated to reflection on the Word of God, the passage from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:8-19) that presents the story of the announcement of the Savior’s birth to the shepherds. Christmas is in fact, the great communication between Heaven and earth.
In terms of communication, these evangelical announcements offer valuable lessons on how important messages can be conveyed effectively, keeping the following in mind:
- Knowledge and attention to others, using the language and context of the person being addressed.
- Recourse to symbolic language and signs, which help transform faith into a tangible experience.
- Clarity in the announcement, so as to allow effective dissemination of the message.
- Emotion management: move from fear to joy. Emotion management leads to educational commitment and dedication.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Provincial, Sister Deolinda Teixeira, and some Provincial Councilors presented an update on some of the Province’s situations in various houses and buildings, with a view to a timely educational response to social, political, and cultural issues and the great crisis of values.
In the face of the difficulties experienced today, one cannot close one’s eyes and heart. The appeals of the Pope and those responsible for the Salesian Family call for action and to make their contribution to the work of educating youth. It is a question of vitality and fidelity to the Salesian Charism; to be builders of new civilizations, as citizens who inhabit this land, but are on the path towards the eternal Fatherland, aware that everyone is necessary and essential.
