A Salesian vocational sprout of Siberia visits to Korea

By Asp. Anatoly Gulchev
Salesian aspirant (SLK - Yakutia)

Seoul, Korea, 12 February 2017 -- As part of his vocation journey, one Salesian Aspirant ANATOLY GULCHEV from Yakutia (Russia - Siberia) was send by his Rector in Yakutsk to Seoul for two weeks of exposure to experience fully developed Salesian mission and life in Korea. Anatoly does share his experience:

I'm so glad, to be here in Korea for these two weeks. It’s a wonderful country. Before I was watching and heard a lot about Catholic Church in Korea. And I wanted to come here one day. Salesian community here is so strong and well developed! And Korean people are just amazing! So kindly and hospitable. I have so many emotions from Seoul – Dae Rim Dong, from Neri and from Kwangju!




I’m happy when I see many young people, who want be a Salesian. For me it’s very good experience. I prayed more than one year and reflected about my vocation. And i want to study and start my formation in Salesian family, if God is calling me.

I was baptized just 3 years ago (when I was just 20 years old) in our Salesian parish in Jakutsk, after one full year of the catechumenate. Before my conversion to the Catholic Church I was a member of a protestant church, but not baptized there.




I felt God’s call – vocation – already for a long time. To choose the right religious congregation was not easy, but I had a possibility of stay-in, living together with the (Slovakian) Salesians. I had also opportunity to meet daily with children and young people. And I hope that God does invite me to this way of life.




In Yakutia our Catholic community is very small, I feel as a missionary to my friends and to my family. I think, it’s the same objective for all Christians. When I love the people, I want to tell them about how much God loves them!




Dear Salesians of Korea, thanks for this opportunity to be here!

I’m waiting for you in Yakutsk!




감사합니다

Анатолий Гуляев

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AustraLasia 4119

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with KOR novices - Naeri

in the Salesian High School - Kwangju