by Br Royston Colaco for BIS Mumbai

Over two transformative days in Lonavala, the discernment retreat “Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening” provided twenty-three aspirant participants - including three from Alirajpur, with a profound journey of introspection and spiritual renewal. The retreat, held on December 7 and 8, focused on themes of identity, belonging, and purpose, combining reflective activities with creative expressions of faith. Mumbai Salesians' Province Delegate for Social Communication, Fr Joyston Machado animated the retreat in tandem with Br Royston Colaco, the Province Vocation Animator. 

The first day explored the question, “Who Am I Before God?” Participants began with reflections on the story of Samuel, lighting symbolic candles as a gesture of readiness to hear God’s voice. A session on Freedom, Identity, Belonging, and Purpose (FIBP) encouraged participants to delve into their personal spirituality, while a creative workshop, “As Clay in the Hands of the Potter,” used the act of shaping clay to symbolize surrender to divine guidance.

One of the most striking exercises, “What Do You Want Your Tombstone to Say?” prompted participants to evaluate their lives and reflect on how their choices aligned with their values. The day balanced profound moments with lighter activities, such as the Zombie Game, which imparted lessons on teamwork, awareness, and faith.

The second day shifted focus to discerning God’s call to action, asking the question, “What Does God Want Me to Do?” A reflective Rosary Walk inspired by Mary’s “Yes” set the tone, followed by a celebratory Eucharist. Participants explored their spiritual journeys through sessions like “Journey of Life” and “Need to Be Accompanied Before Accompanying Others.” The retreat concluded with “Faces of Jesus,” where participants responded to God’s call through creative prayer and letter-writing.

As the retreat drew to a close with a benediction and a slideshow of memorable moments, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their faith. The event served as a gentle yet profound awakening to the presence of God’s voice in everyday life, inspiring the aspirant-participants to embrace their spiritual paths with clarity and trust.

The entire two-day process culminated in the aspirants handing over their individual applications during the solemn concelebrated festal mass in honour of the Immaculate Conception, presided over by Don Bosco Lonavla Vice-Rector and Principal, Fr Ranson D'Souza.