by Cl Rohan D'Souza & Br Royston Colaco for BIS Mumbai

The “Come and See” Camp was held at Don Bosco Lonavla from August 31 to September 1, 2024. Altogether, 22 young boys participated. Organized by Br. Royston Colaco, the Vocation Promoter of the Province, the camp aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the Aspirantate life, blending spiritual growth with personal development.

The first day of the camp began with a session titled "Being a Good Samaritan," which focused on the universal message of love and kindness. Participants were encouraged to understand that loving one's neighbor means loving everyone, irrespective of societal labels, and that true service is done without expecting rewards. The session also emphasized that helping those in need is akin to helping Christ Himself.

Following the session, the participants attended the Holy Eucharist, which was a significant spiritual moment for all. The day continued with various activities, including a Biblical House visit and a trek that allowed the boys to connect with nature and each other. In the evening, the focus shifted to "Being an Active Listener of the Lord," where the boys learned about different aspects of prayer, such as contemplative listening and prophetic intercession. The day concluded with a session of Adoration and night games, adding a fun and reflective end to the day's events.

The second day commenced with the Holy Eucharist, setting a spiritual tone for the activities that followed. The session "My Path to Holiness" highlighted the roles of Salesian Priests and Brothers, showing how each contributes to the Church's mission in unique ways—whether through sacraments within the Church or outreach to those outside it.

The day's activities included indoor football, a screening of the movie "Understanding St. John Bosco," a treasure hunt, and an interaction with the aspirants. These activities not only provided entertainment but also fostered teamwork, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the Salesian mission.

The camp concluded with an evaluation session and an overall reflection on the participants' experiences. The boys, hailing from Nerul, Alirajpur, Vadodara, and Vasai, were accompanied by local vocation team members and Fr Thomas D'Costa, who guided them throughout the camp.

The “Come and See” Camp was a resounding success, offering the boys an opportunity to grow spiritually, learn about the Aspirantate, and bond with peers. Through a combination of prayer, sessions, and engaging activities, the camp provided a holistic experience that will leave a lasting impact on the participants.

Fr Thomas D'Costa, who was actively involved in the camp, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the boys' enthusiasm and the depth of their spiritual engagement. He remarked, "The camp not only deepened their faith but also instilled in them a greater understanding of their potential roles within the Church and as responsible citizens of society. "

One of the participants commented, "The camp invited us to play, pray, learn and discover.  It was achieved and most of my friends enjoyed. "