On October 21-25, 2019, the Provincial Custody of Mary Mother of Mercy in Central America conducted a second workshop for formators. The workshop was held at the Friary of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Nine friars attended, including formators, formation commission members and vocation promoters. The event was led by Father Alexander SALAS, a specialist in pedagogy and formational topics.
The theme for the workshop was “Looking at Myself”. The workshop was meant to deepen the inner life of the formator, placing particular attention on what leads to burn out and how to avoid it. The participants searched for tools which formators, and friars engaged in the work of guiding others, could use to learn their own weaknesses, strengths, rhythms and life stages. They sought tools to better understand themselves and the challenges they must face in their daily work.
Additionally the participants learned more about the topics of social media and the Internet in general, in order to understand how to use these tools without having to discard them entirely, and at the same time being cautious about the hidden risks that their use entails. Since most of the candidates to the consecrated life who knock on our doors have grown up surrounded by these technologies, this topic is particularly important.
To conclude the workshop, the participants spent a day in reflection, animated by Friar Antonio Enrique SANDOVAL POVEDA, OFM Conv., on the different types of abuse against minors and vulnerable persons committed by priests and religious. The participants learned more about the processes of prevention and protection, and acquired necessary tools and knowledge for guiding people who have been the victims of these tragic experiences.
Friar Pablo Alonso CARVAJAL ESPINOZA
