News : Fr Richard DSouza
Pics: Jostan Dsouza, Gladsom
Mangaluru, Dec 27 : One day diocesan vocation camp was held for high school boys who are aspiring to be a priest at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi today. The Vocation Service Centre (VSC) of the diocese organised the camp to inspire young minds to priesthood and guide them to discern God’s calling in their life.
As many as 25 students from Shirthady, Kulshekar, Fajiru, Shakthinagar, Allipade, Neermarga, Mukka, Nellikar, Jeppu, Puttur, Bajpe and Bondel parishes participated in the camp.
Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore inaugurated the camp by honouring the Bible which is the source and inspiration of all vocations. Addressing the participants Bishop said, “Priests in the parishes and other ministries play a vital role in shaping and moulding the aspirations of young students towards priesthood. Most of the vocations are inspired by the living examples of priests.” Urging the participants Bishop said, “We are initiated to Christianity through baptism by a priest. One must always recognise and revere this fact along with love, service and encouragement given by our priests and be inspired by them.”
The recent issue of ‘ANGE’ Diocesan vocation magazine published by Vocation Service Centre was released by Bishop at the same time.
Rev. Fr Anil Fernandes, Vocation Director (VSC) said, “God calls human being first. The initiative comes from God. Our own first step is always a response. Therefore, it is God’s calling and not completely my choice. Vocation camps will help interested students to get a better picture of vocation and make a deliberate choice as a response to God’s Calling.”
Fr Boniface Pinto, Professor at St Joseph’s Seminary spoke on ‘Responding to Vocation in Modern times.’ Fr Joswin Dsouza, Asst. Parish Priest, Valencia gave motivational talk on the mission and spirituality of diocesan priests.
Br Lanson Pinto, Fajir (Same, Africa) inspired the boys with his own vocation story and his life events which changed his life to opt for Same Mission.
Gladsom Minor Seminary students amused the participants by their creative games and action songs.
