The vocation promoters presented the vocation situation of their respective provinces and the best and most effective practices of vocation promotion. The second day was dedicated to listening to the Church and the Congregation concerning Vocation Promotion. Fr. Joe Mannath highlighted that in India, vocation promotion is still about recruiting members for the Congregation. There is a strong need to come out of this mode and present life as a vocation. Sharing the message of the Pope on Vocation, delivered on May 8, he stressed that the vocation promoters should help young people to discover their Vocation of life besides promoting Vocations to the religious life.
Fr. Pathiaraj presented the elements that could motivate the young to join the religious society. Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj, Coordinator for Vocation Guidance, spoke about the Salesian Ministry within the context of vocation ministry, and our efforts should lead the young to discover God's call. On the third day, the participants reflected on vocational culture. Each participant shared their view on creating an ambiance to accompany the young, and the Salesian vocation promoter helps them to discover God's call.
Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj, the Coordinator for Vocation Guidance, and Fr. Robert Simon, the Coordinator for DBYA at South Asia Region, coordinated the event.
India - South Asia Salesian vocation promoters reflect on culture of vocation
Don Bosco Youth Animation Department organized a three-day session for the Salesian vocation promoters at Don Bosco Renewal Centre (DBRC), Bangalore. Fostering a culture of Vocation under the dimension of Vocational Guidance by the Don Bosco Youth Animation, the meeting was held from December 14-16, 2022. Fourteen Salesian vocation promoters from 11 Indian Salesian Provinces and the Vice-Province of Sri Lanka participated. Fr. Clive Telles, the Provincial in charge of vocations, highlighted the alarming vocational situation in the South Asia Region. Fr. Robert Simon, the Youth Ministry Coordinator of SPCA, animated the Salesian vocation promoters focusing on the four dimensions of the Salesian youth ministry. He spoke on the role of youth ministry in Salesian vocation promotion and said, “The arrival point of every Salesian youth ministry is vocation promotion.”
