By Br. Anthony Rodriguez, SDB
The Joint FIN-FIS Practical Trainees’ Formative Encounter, held from April 8 to 12, 2024, in Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu, was a significant gathering that brought together practical trainees from the FIN and FIS provinces. This event served as a valuable opportunity for these trainees to deepen their formation and explore new horizons in their learning journey.
The practical trainees from the FIN province arrived in Cebu on April 8, accompanied by their formation in-charge, Fr. Marlon Eleosida SDB, and Fr. Paul Dungca SDB, who was the resource speaker for the formative encounter. Likewise, the FIS brothers were accompanied by Fr. Andy Mendoza, the FIS delegate for the Commission on Formation and Rector of the Don Bosco Formation Center. The gathering took place at the Don Bosco Retreat House in Lawaan, where the trainees were accommodated and engaged in various formation sessions led by Fr. Paul.
The seminar officially kicked off on April 9 at the St. Francis de Sales hall of the Don Bosco Retreat House, with Fr. Paul delivering formative input centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential applications in education and pastoral ministry. The first day of the seminar began with Fr. Paul engaging the practical trainees in discussions about their preconceived notions of AI, eliciting a range of responses from viewing AI as a mere tool to expressing excitement about its possibilities, as well as concerns about its potential risks.
Fr. Paul then delved into a detailed explanation of what AI is, its components, and highlighted specific AI applications such as ChatGPT, which are generative and learn from user prompts. He also discussed the broader implications of AI and its use as a tool to assist in various contexts. Throughout the session, Fr. Paul showcased multiple AI applications and websites that utilize AI for teaching purposes.
He then demonstrated how to design learning experiences for students using these AI-infused applications, emphasizing the importance of adapting to young people’s new learning framework. In group activities, the practical trainees worked together to design their own learning experiences, primarily using ChatGPT and Canva, and presented their creations to the larger group.
The second day of the seminar focused on the use of AI in pastoral ministry. Fr. Paul demonstrated how AI applications like Canva and ChatGPT can enhance pastoral work, particularly in planning activities such as Recollections, Retreats, and First Holy Communion. With the assistance of AI, the practical trainees were able to easily craft themes and scriptural references for these activities, streamlining the planning process and enhancing the overall effectiveness of their pastoral work.
In addition to the intellectual and formative aspects of the seminar, the Joint FIN-FIS formative encounter also provided an opportunity for the practical trainees to reconnect with their peers at the same formation stage.
Their informal gatherings and bonding moments within and around Cebu City offered them much-needed respite and an opportunity to share experiences from their work as assistants in their respective settings.
Returning to Lawaan also gave the brothers a chance to revisit the novitiate house, where they interacted with the novices and the formation team led by Fr. Ronel Vilbar, SDB, the novice director. The five-day encounter was not just an intellectually enriching experience but also a fraternal one, as evidenced by the shared meals, bonding moments, and liturgical celebrations that brought the practical trainees together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Overall, the Joint FIN-FIS Practical Trainees’ Formative Encounter was a resounding success, providing the practical trainees with valuable insights and experiences that will undoubtedly enrich their formation and ministry moving forward.
