By Fr. A. EDMAND MSFS

The First Chapter deals with the Insights, challenges and obstacles of Religious Formation face today. It begins with forming of the terms concerning Religious Formation and directly addresses the obstacles that it encounters. In dealing with the insights and obstacles, the thesis explores the reality of Religious Formation. The motivating factor deals with the obstacles and brings the remedies too. The thesis mainly identifies the possible deviations to realize how meaningful it is to live this way of life amidst challenges of the time. This kind of implication takes us to the second chapter which would deal with St Francis de Sales.

The Second Chapter deals with the Religious Formation as inspired by Saint Francis de Sales. This chapter begins with the important contribution of Saint Francis de Sales to all the religious people. As a formator and a pastor, he knew well the depth and height of the Religious Formation. This chapter focuses on the means to grow in Religious Formation and how important it is to grow daily. Thus, the chapter brings to us a clear vision of St Francis de Sales on Religious Formation.

The Third Chapter deals with the importance of MSFS Formation today and its relevance to the world at large. It brings out the vision of St Francis dc Sales through the teachings and reflections of MSFS Founder Fr Peter Marie Mermier and other teachings. This chapter also calls to live the religious life in right manner. The motto of Fr Peter Marie Mermier was “I want Mission”. Having inspired by this motto, I have presented the relevance of MSFS Formation today. Thus we, the religious, should realize that formative life is a life centred on the person of Jesus and is a life to re-live Jesus in our day to day life.