By Nv. Aayush Borge for BIS Mumbai

The community of STI experienced a meaningful time of spiritual reflection and vocational enrichment through a recollection preached by Br Royston Colaco on November 3, 2026. The evening recollection invited every member of the community to pause, reflect, and rediscover the essential dimensions of the Salesian vocation. The following morning, Br Colaco conducted an enlightening session on the Salesian Brother vocation, helping the community understand its identity, history and significance in the Congregation.

During the evening recollection, Br Colaco guided the community through five essential dimensions of Salesian life: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Mission. Through these themes, he encouraged the community to examine its relationship with God, fraternity with confreres, and commitment to the young.

Beginning with Worship, he reminded us that prayer should not become merely a routine but a living encounter with God. He challenged us to ask, “is my prayer alive?” Reflecting on Fellowship, he emphasized that we are formed for God's family. Community life calls us to build authentic relationships through love, acceptance, forgiveness, and unity. Through Discipleship, he reminded us that we are called to become more like Christ through our daily commitment. In Ministry, he highlighted that our vocation is a special gift from God and that we must serve with joy and genuine love. Finally, through Mission, he renewed our awareness of Don Bosco's preference for poor, abandoned, and vulnerable young people, encouraging us to serve them with greater zeal.

The following morning, Br Colaco offered valuable insights into the Salesian Brother vocation. Beginning with its historical roots, he explained Don Bosco's concern for the moral and practical formation of young people through workshops and technical training. Don Bosco recognised the need for capable and morally upright persons who could guide young people in developing their skills and preparing for life.

He further explained that Salesian Brothers have an important role in the Congregation through their practical, technical, and administrative contributions. Their responsibilities may include managing workshops, handling finances, and taking care of various community needs. He stressed that a Salesian Brother must be well formed spiritually and morally, professionally competent, reliable, and a person of good example.

Reflecting on the session, Novice Asher said, “The session helped me appreciate the dignity of the Salesian Brother vocation and inspired me to be a responsible, competent, and morally upright presence in the community.”

Both sessions enriched the STI community, inviting everyone to renew their commitment to God, community life, and the young, while deepening their appreciation of the unique contribution of the Salesian Brother vocation to the mission of building God’s Kingdom.