By Shinu Jose for BIS Mumbai

October 10, 2026: Forty-two young people and twenty volunteers, including Salesians of Don Bosco (SDBs) and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMAs), gathered at Don Bosco Parish, Makarpura, Vadodara, for a night vigil organised by the local vocation team.

Centred on the theme, “Do whatever he tells you,” the vigil provided a meaningful opportunity for the youth to deepen their faith, reflect on their personal vocation and discern God’s call in their lives. The programme was led by Fr Bosco Carvalho SDB, who guided the participants through a series of interactive and reflective sessions. Using engaging games, visually enriching PowerPoint presentations and thought-provoking exercises, he helped the young people explore the importance of listening to God and responding to His voice with faith and generosity.

Drawing inspiration from the theme, Fr Carvalho emphasised the essential role of prayer, the Word of God and active participation in the Eucharist in the journey of vocational discernment. He encouraged the participants to move beyond merely hearing God’s Word and learn to listen attentively to its message, allowing it to shape their decisions, relationships and daily lives. He reminded them that discerning God’s will requires a prayerful heart, openness to His guidance and a willingness to act upon His invitation.

Highlighting the importance of faith, friendships and service, Fr Carvalho invited the youth to recognise the many ways in which God speaks through everyday experiences and encounters with others. He encouraged them to identify their individual gifts, talents and abilities and reflect on how these could be placed at the service of the Church and society. The sessions challenged the participants to consider their future with hope and responsibility, seeking to discover the particular path through which they could contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

One of the most profound moments of the vigil took place during Eucharistic Adoration. In the quiet presence of the Blessed Sacrament, the young people were invited to pause, pray and examine their lives. The time of adoration prepared them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering an opportunity to seek God’s mercy and experience His healing presence.

It was particularly heartening to witness the participants approaching Confession with openness and sincerity, expressing their struggles and placing their concerns before the Lord through the ministry of the priests. This encounter became a moment of grace, enabling them to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and invitation to begin anew. The atmosphere of prayer and reflection encouraged them to embrace the sacrament as an essential step towards spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Praise and Worship formed another significant part of the night vigil. Animated by Joyce Rajput, Boniface Lazarus and Natasha Vaz, the prayer session brought the participants together through meaningful hymns and songs of worship. The carefully selected music created an atmosphere conducive to prayer, helping the youth express their faith, open their hearts to God and enter more deeply into the spirit of the vigil.

Beyond the formal sessions, the overnight programme provided opportunities for fellowship and interaction among the participants and volunteers. Refreshments, a question-and-answer session and shared moments of community strengthened the bonds of friendship and encouraged the young people to learn from one another. The celebration of Holy Mass formed the spiritual culmination of the programme, bringing the gathering together in thanksgiving and prayer. The vigil concluded with breakfast and the departure of the participants.

The night vigil was a significant experience of faith, fellowship and vocational discernment. Through prayer, reflection, reconciliation and the Eucharist, the young people were encouraged to recognise God’s presence in their lives and respond courageously to His invitation. Inspired by the words, “Do whatever he tells you,” they were invited to continue their journey with renewed faith, attentive hearts and a generous willingness to serve God and others.