donboscoshillong

VOCATION CAMP FOR POST-MATRIC STUDENTS

Posted by Brother James Marbañiang SDB

Shillong May: Salesian Vocation Camp for Post-Matric students was held from 25th to 30th April 2022 at Pastoral Centre, Shillong. Bro. James Marbaniang and Bro. Michael Mawniuh were the main organizers of the Camp under the direction of Fr. John Zosiama, the Vice Provincial. The Vocation Camp begun with the inaugural function on 25th April at 6.00 PM with 29 boys in the presence of Fr. John Zosiama and Fr. Johnny Eapen. After the programme, the boys were divided into four groups and they were given instructions about the Camp. In the evening, the boys had a family gathering which was a moment of getting to know each other. The following day, the first session was given by Fr. Sylvanus Lyngdoh on the life of Don Bosco and his journey to priesthood. The next session on the Salesian Vocation was given by Fr. Felix Dkhar. On the 27th April, Bro. Barnabas Khriam came and talked about the vocation of Salesian Brothers and later a session on Salesian Family was taken by Fr. Bernard Pala. In the evening the boys also had a Dance competition.

The next day, on 28^th April, Fr. Denis Lalfela came to give a session on the different stages of Formation and Fr. Bijoy Parackal from Delhi Province gave a session on missionary vocation. In the evening there was a Drama competition conducted for the boys. The following day, a lively session on Salesian Youth Ministry was given by Fr. Richard Rapthap and Bro. Quirinus Warkhyllew. In the afternoon, the boys had an outing to Laitumkhrah. They visited the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Youth Centre and later they had basketball matches at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School playground. The community of STC prepared special tea and snacks for them, and the boys really enjoyed that day. Later in the evening, the Vocation camp boys wrote their application, and out of 36 boys who had come for vocation camp, 32 opted to join the Salesian Society. The day was concluded with an entertaining Bosco Nite programme after Supper. On 30^thApril, the Vocation Camp was concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Paul O. Lyngkot, the Provincial.