South Sudan – "Come and see" Vocation Camp
Tonj, South Sudan – January 2025 – A "Come and see" vocation camp was held in the Salesian missionary community of Tonj from Sunday 19 January to Wednesday 22 January. The meeting brought together 18 young people from various regions of South Sudan with the aim of reflecting on their vocation, aligning themselves with Christ and embracing the Salesian charism. The camp began with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where Bishop Christian Carlassare, Bishop of Bentiu and Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek, as guest speaker, encouraged young people to "not focus on the future, but on this precise moment of their lives. It is in the present that they should respond to Jesus' call. ” The young candidates experienced four intense days full of activities, including study, sports and community life. These activities focused on deepening their understanding of Jesus' call, with an emphasis on the Salesian charism. The workshops during the camp covered topics such as the history of the Salesians in South Sudan, religious life, the life of Don Bosco, Salesian spirituality, the preventive system and Marian devotion. The vocation field ended on Wednesday with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Joseph Can, Provincial Delegate for Sudan and South Sudan. He encouraged the participants to continue to reflect on the path they are called to follow within their local communities. This field served as a starting point for a deep discernment of God's call in the life of every young person.