Shillong, December 17, 2025 — The Salesian Vocation Camp for boys who have completed Class VII was successfully conducted at Savio Juniorate from December 10 to 17, 2025. The week-long camp saw the enthusiastic participation of 179 boys, who arrived with openness and curiosity to learn about the Salesian way of life and to begin discerning God’s call in their young lives.
The camp was organized under the leadership of Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor, SDB, Vocation Promoter of the Salesian Province of Shillong, with the assistance of five Salesian brothers and the full support of the Savio Juniorate community. Participants began arriving from 11.00 a.m. onwards on the first day, with most reaching the venue before 4.00 p.m. A brief orientation session at 5.00 p.m. helped the boys familiarize themselves with the camp schedule and environment.
The camp was formally inaugurated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6.30 p.m., presided over by Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Shillong Province. The Eucharistic celebration set a strong spiritual foundation for the camp, entrusting the entire programme to God’s guidance.
Throughout the camp, participants were exposed to a balanced programme of spiritual formation, instruction, and recreation. Morning sessions focused on themes such as the life of St. John Bosco, the stages of Salesian formation, the call to religious life, the vocation of the Salesian Brother, and the mission and works of the Salesian Congregation, including the role of the wider Salesian Family. These inputs helped the boys gain deeper insight into the Salesian charism and mission.
Attention was also given to the holistic development of the participants through daily exercise, Holy Mass, work sessions, games, study time, and personal interactions with the Vocation Promoter and the Rector. Evening programmes included competitions and cultural activities that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and healthy competition. A highlight of the week was the Don Bosco Quiz, which further enriched the boys’ knowledge of Salesian history and spirituality.
On the concluding day, the participants made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Sacred Heart at Sacred Heart Theological College, where the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Bivan Mukhim, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Guwahati Province. The group later visited the museum and shared a fellowship tea at the Don Bosco Provincial House. In the evening, the boys took part in the first Christmas Novena, animated by Fr. George Shining Lyngkhoi, SDB, followed by a joyful pre-Christmas celebration that marked the conclusion of the camp.
The organizers expressed sincere gratitude to the Provincial and his Council for their constant encouragement and support. Special appreciation was extended to Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, for his presence and guidance at both the opening and closing of the camp. The community of Savio Juniorate, under the leadership of Fr. P. A. James, SDB, was also thanked for its generous hospitality and assistance.
The Salesian Vocation Camp concluded as a meaningful and enriching experience, planting seeds of faith, discernment, and hope in the hearts of the young participants.
