by Father Velasli Bandya for BISMumbai

The MumbaiSalesians' Vocation Coordinators' [Salesians and lay] online meet was held on 30 November 2021 The objectives of the meet, in which 21 participated, were:

1. To bring together the local vocation team representatives on a common platform.

2. To share the kind of vocation animation work carried out in respective houses.

3. To encourage and motivate one another by knowing and incorporating the different works.

4. To clarify; receive feedback and suggestions for vocation ministry.

MumbaiSalesians' ViceProvincial-Father Ashley Miranda commended the works done by the vocation teams and suggested that this work must be supported with many prayers, "as we bring in the culture of vocation in our parishes and institutions, we also leave the final result to God." He encouraged the members to look for signs of a vocation everywhere, including in those who are found more on the playgrounds than in churches.

Each team made a 05-minute presentation. There was representation from the following Salesian houses: Don Bosco Kuwait, Our Lady of Dolours, St. Dominic Savio AntopHill, Don Bosco School Matunga, Dominic Savio Andheri, Don Bosco Naigaon, Resurrection Church Virar, JyotiMata Church, Don Bosco Savedi, St. Anne’s Ahmednagar, St. John’s Ahmednagar, Don Bosco Makarpura, Don Bosco Yerwada, Don Bosco Alirajpur, and Don Bosco Nashik.

MumbaiSalesians' Vocation Animation Provincial Councillor-Father Blany Pinto suggested the following:

1. Regular meetings (once in 02 months) primarily be for reporting from the local unit, as per a prepared template inclusive of the activity, participants, result of the activity and evaluation.

2. An annual calendar for all such engagements, for better planning and execution.

3. To begin local level monthly meetings, if not already started.

4. Visit Don Bosco Lonavla to be planned by the local teams.

5. Increase the number of people in the Vocation team, if needed.

6. To accompany students of classes 5-7 so that they could begin at Don Bosco Lonavla from class 8.

The online interaction ended with a short video presentation about Don Bosco Lonavla, and a prayer.