By Fr. Gabriel Cruz

       Lahore, Pakistan, 22 January 2022 -- According to our SDB Constitutions (art. 22) each new vocation is a sign of God's blessing and love of our Salesian Congregation. In spite of the numerous challenges of the current pandemic (travel restrictions, impossibility to reach the 'ordinary' prenovitiate and novitiate in the Philippines - Cebu, financial costs) our Delegation is looking with faith and optimism to the future.

       Africa - prenovices and novice

       At present our 4 prenovices are being formed in Lilongwe community (Malawi, ZMB Vice-province): Waqar, Bunny, Asif and Nabeel (in the community photo from left to right). Also our only novice Sunil enjoys the African formation in the Sunyiani novitiate (Ghana, AON Province in Western Africa).

       Europe - theology student

       On the other hand our first year theology confrere Cl Faraz is already preparing in Italy for his specific formation to priesthood, that will start in the cradle of our charism, in the international community at the Crocetta, Turin with a few dozen young Salesians from different continents.

       Asia - aspirants

       And here in Lahore, we have three aspirants (in the community photo appears only Zohaib with blue jersey), in the other photo are our new aspirants: Rizwan, (Gabo), Zohaib and Shaneel (from left to right).

       So the Pakistan consecrated Salesian future is spread between Asia, Africa and Europe-based formation houses. Our candidates and confreres are entrusted to formators of different cultures and experience. We pray for all of them and try to accompany 'at a distance' as much as possible.

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