By Cl. Rohan D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 23 July 2023, five Salesians from the 1978 batch of Don Bosco Aspirantate, Lonavla, visited and shared their vocation journey and their Salesian experiences with the aspirants. 

The batch of 1978 had visited Don Bosco Lonavla for their reunion and took the opportunity to interact with the aspirants. The encounter between the seasoned Salesians and the enthusiastic aspirants proved to be a memorable and transformative experience. With a compassionate demeanour and guiding words, the Salesians interacted with different groups of aspirants. 

Frs Leslie Pereira and Matthew Coutinho addressed the senior boys, while Fr Solomon Rapol engaged with the Grade 10 aspirants and students from the English Academy. Frs Edwin Baracho and Tony Alemao interacted with the junior boys. During their sharings, they recounted their own calling to the Salesian life and priesthood, shedding light on the challenges and joys they encountered on their vocation journey.  They highlighted their moments of faith, which helped strengthen their lives as priests. Their sincere and relatable narratives touched the hearts of the students, sparking curiosity and contemplation about their own future paths. Their words of encouragement resonated deeply with the young minds, who were eager to explore the possibilities of a life dedicated to service and compassion. Their vibrant stories of transforming lives through kindness and mentorship left an indelible mark on the boys. 

Throughout the interactive sessions, the Salesian priests emphasised the significance of prayer, discernment, and community support in nurturing a vocation. They encouraged the boys to remain open to the divine call and to trust in the journey ahead, even if it may seem uncertain at times. The message of finding joy in all their daily living at the aspirantate, and fostering a personal relationship with God struck a chord with the students. 

Anvil Machado, an aspirant said, “The experiences shared by the Fathers, especially about their struggles to follow God and also experience His Love made me realise that though religious life is not all that easy, with God’s guidance, it is joyful.”