The Salesians engaged in 'practical training' in the GBR Province met at Savio House, Bollington: from the GBR Province, Joe Tran, Joseph Dao Duc Quoc and Gregory Echegwo (Bollington Community), and from Poland, Aleksander Masterlerz (PLE - Poland East, Bootle Community) and Patryk Chmielewski (PLS - Poland South, Bolton Community), along with members of the GBR Formation Commission: Fr Kieran Anderson (GBR Province Delegate for Formation), Fr Michael T Winstanley (Rector, Bolton Community) and Fr Tony Fernandes (Rector, Bolton Community).

The main focus of the weekend was reflection on the 27th General Chapter document for the SDBs entitles, 'Witnesses to the radical approach of the Gospel'. Fr Martin Coyle, the Provincial, introduced the theme, sharing his personal reflections on the experience of participating in the General Chapter held in Rome from February to April 2014. This was followed by a time of personal reflection and a very profound and enriching sharing by the whole group on the experience of prayer, community life and apostolic work for and with young people as Salesians in the initial and on-going phases of formation and personal development. Many joys and blessings and not a few challenges were recognised and spoken of!

The group also enjoyed a beautifully scenic walk together in the Goyt Valley, led by Fr Michael in gorgeous sunshine. There were also times for prayer and social time together, all of which added to the joyful atmosphere of the weekend, made all the more so by the warm welcome and hospitality of everyone at Savio House