Vocation Promotion Activity Report
Monthly Report of June and July
During June and July, I visited the boys’ home, meeting both those selected from the camp and those unable to
attend. After the camp, I maintained constant communication with the candidates through phone calls and
WhatsApp and personally visited their families.
Once the academic year started, they arrived at the aspirantate. It was a great joy to welcome them to Don
Bosco School in Yagappa Nagar, Thanjavur, and PHS in Nettur, Thenkasi. With a grateful heart, I thank God for
His protection and guidance, as well as the Provincial, Vice-Provincial, Economer, Provincial Council,
Rectors, and confreres for their prayers and support in promoting vocations to our congregation.
Monthly Report of August and September
In August and September, I visited nearly 15 schools and four parishes in different dioceses. Compared to
last year, this was more challenging, as only 27 students expressed interest. While I was both welcomed and
ignored, I remained persistent, asking for opportunities to meet students.
A common concern among dioceses and religious congregations is that Don Bosco institutions already have many
schools and parishes, and they believe vocations should be promoted internally. However, I emphasized the
importance of broader vocation promotion. I humbly request the Provincial, Vice-Provincial, Economer,
Provincial Council, and all confreres to support this mission. If any fathers know students showing signs of
vocation, kindly inform me, as this would greatly help both the congregation and the vocation promoter.
Monthly Report of October
In October, I visited nearly 10 schools and three parishes in different dioceses. The boys responded well,
but new challenges emerged. Many schools only allowed visits for 12th-standard students, restricting access to
8th and 10th graders. Their concern was losing student numbers, which prevented younger boys from being
considered for vocations.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my mission, supported by the prayers and encouragement of my
confreres, Mother Mary, Jesus, and Don Bosco. I request continued prayers for more vocations to our
congregation.
Monthly Report of November and December
During these months, we focused on maintaining contact with boys who had shown interest in vocations. We sent
messages and letters for Christmas and Pongal celebrations. However, engaging students remains difficult due
to nuclear family structures and limited responses.
Between June and December 2023, I visited 97 schools and 17 parishes, meeting around 1,300 students (8th–12th
standard) in schools and 200 boys (6th–12th standard) in parishes. Among them, 186 showed initial interest.
After sending letters, only a few responded, stating they would confirm later.
The breakdown of interested students was:
- 8th grade – 27
- 9th grade – 38
- 10th grade – 94
- 12th grade – 27
I personally contacted some students via phone, with mixed responses. However, I continue following up
through WhatsApp messages and letters.
Monthly Report of January and February 2025 – 2026
This year, January and February were particularly challenging. Many schools denied visits due to special
classes and exam preparations, especially for struggling students. Understanding the situation, vocation
promoters from various congregations shifted focus to parish visits.
Unfortunately, in many parishes, only a few Catholic students regularly attend catechism classes. Parish
priests and catechists reported that most regular attendees are from 5th to 8th grade, with fewer older
students participating. Parents prioritize special classes over church activities, limiting Christian value
formation.
Despite continuous outreach through messages and phone calls, many students did not accept our invitations.
Some said they would discuss with their parents and relatives before deciding.
Out of 172 students contacted, 72 accepted to attend the camp:
- 8th grade – 20
- 10th grade – 40
- 12th grade – 12
