By Br Royston Colaco for BIS Mumbai
Mumbai, October 8, 2025: The Annual Meet of Salesian Vocational Guidance Coordinators and Vocation Promoters of the South Asia Region was held from October 6 to 8, 2025 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Mumbai.
Twenty delegates from across the region participated in the gathering, which aimed to strengthen collaboration and renew strategies for fostering a culture of vocation among the young.
The meeting was graced by the presence of Fr Clive Telles, Provincial In-charge for the Vocation Dimension, and Fr Gabriel Karunaraj, South Asia Regional Coordinator for Vocation Animation.
On the first day in his opening address, Fr Clive Telles, drawing inspiration from General Chapter 29, emphasized the need to rebuild a culture of accompaniment—personal, spiritual, and pastoral. He called for a deeper integration between formation and mission, creative promotion of Salesian vocations, and the empowerment of vocation promoters as true animators of vocational ecosystems. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between Youth Ministry and Formation to sustain a vibrant vocational climate.
Fr Ajoy Fernandes, Vocation Guidance Coordinator of the Bombay Province, guided the participants in understanding the youth phenomenon in urban and rural contexts. He presented a five-step Accompaniment Model for discernment and formation.
Br James Marcus, South Asia Delegate for the Salesian Brothers, shared insights on promoting vocations to the Salesian Brotherhood through authentic witness, professional competence, and active engagement with the young.
Fr Rupen Diravya of the Trichy Province concluded the day’s sessions by underlining that the essence of the Salesian charism lies in being both educators and evangelizers. He invited the participants to accompany the young through the seven kerygmatic truths: revealing God’s love, helping them overcome sin, presenting Jesus as friend and Saviour, nurturing faith and conversion, fostering openness to the Spirit, building communion in the Church, and forming joyful missionary disciples who continue Don Bosco’s dream today.
The second day featured a comprehensive review of the strengths, limitations, and future directions of vocation ministry presented by Fr Banzelao Teixeira, South Asia Formation Commission Coordinator.
He highlighted the ministry’s structured approach, positive culture, and family involvement, while noting challenges in promoter preparedness and youth engagement.
Fr Teixeira recommended digital outreach, promoter training, family catechesis, and stronger collaboration with Youth Ministry as key areas for growth.
Delegates from the various provinces then presented their annual reports, highlighting initiatives, activities, and progress in vocation guidance and promotion within their respective contexts.
The first two days of the meeting set a reflective and collaborative tone, uniting participants in their shared mission to foster a culture of vocation and to walk with the young in discerning God’s call in their lives—faithful to the spirit and legacy of Don Bosco.
On the third day of the meet, Fr Gabriel Karunaraj, the South Asia Regional Coordinator, offered an insightful session on the distinct responsibilities of the Vocational Accompaniment Team, highlighting the roles of the Youth Ministry Delegate, Vocation Guidance Coordinator, and Vocation Promoter. Fr Karunaraj then presented to the participants the 'Handbook for Salesian Vocation Promoters.'
The meet concluded with a renewed commitment to build a dynamic vocational culture across Salesian presences in South Asia.