By Fr. Savio Angelo Sanchez, SDB

Port Moresby, PNG, October 24, 2015 – From the 22nd to 24th of October a group of 15 Salesians and 3 lay collaborators (who are also past pupils) gathered for Reflection Days on Salesian Vocation Promotion in PNG-SI. This was organized by Fr. Casper Charles, the Delegation Vocation Promotion In-Charge. The Reflection Days were envisioned to give the Salesians an avenue to assess and talk about the state of Vocation Promotion in the Delegation.

Fr. Waimi Klower, a Papua New Guinean Anglican priest and a lecturer of Ethics and Civics at the University of Papua New Guinea came on the 22nd to talk about “Melanesian Obligatory Relationship Network.” His talk provided the participants of the Reflection Days with some insights into the Melanesian culture and philosophy. This helped the confreres to understand better the Melanesian context where the youth and possible vocation candidates are coming from.

On the second day of the Reflection Days, the Salesian Archbishop of Rabaul, Francesco Panfilo was supposed to give a talk on “The Salesian Approach to Vocation Promotion.” But he was not able to come because his flight was cancelled. Nonetheless, he sent via internet a copy of his talk. It was distributed and the Delegate Superior, Fr. Peter Baquero read it. Then the participants shared their comments, reactions, and insights based on “The Spirituality of the Playground” which was the focus of the Bishop’s talk. Archbishop Panfilo’s reflection was basically drawn from Don Bosco’s “Letter from Rome.” Among the challenges, Archbishop Panfilo pointed out the lack of good family background. He also underlined that the presence of “boarding houses” in many Salesian schools in the Delegation “gives the Salesians opportunity to see the candidates and to follow them up closely. And it gives the opportunity to the candidates to see closely their Salesian mentors. This is a huge opportunity.”

On the last day of the Reflection Days, Fr. Casper Charles delivered his report. He also provided some statistics. For the past decade or so, about 70 candidates have entered the Savio House Aspirantate. The Vocation Promotion In-Charge also exhorted everyone by recalling Don Bosco’s words: “Remember that we give the Church a great treasure when we are instrumental in procuring a vocation…”

Of the 18 participants of the Reflection Days, 6 are Papua New Guineans (3 SDBs and 3 past pupils). Certain aspects of the Melanesian culture that affect the youth regarding their choice to embrace Salesian life were discussed. Small group discussions allowed the participants to share, reflect together and listen to each other. The challenges as well as the opportunities were identified. Strategies and Lines of Action were drawn up and proposed to address pressing concerns as regards fostering apostolic vocations in general and Salesian vocations in particular.

How do we attract more vocations? One confrere said: “A happy Salesian community attracts vocations.” Another one said: “What attracted me to join the Salesians was their presence. They were there with us in the playground. They also worked with us. They spent time with us during recreation. We saw them also assisting us in the dormitory.” An elderly confrere insisted: “We must ensure that the structures and the environment in our boarding houses are conducive for fostering apostolic vocations.”

The participants of the Reflection Days wrapped up the discussions convinced of the need to create a culture of vocation in every Salesian setting. At the same time each is aware that a credible witness of Salesian life is still the best way to showcase our vocation, and one that truly attracts the young to give themselves to God in the footsteps of Don Bosco.