Posted On: 19 May, 2025
The INM Salesian Vocation Camp 2025 at Don Bosco Aspirantate, Tirupattur, was a three week journey of faith, discernment, and joyful community living for 105 young candidates. With the theme “Come and See…” (John 1:39), the camp offered a rich and immersive experience rooted in the Salesian charism, calling young hearts to reflect on their vocation and open themselves to God’s plan.
Under the dynamic leadership of Fr. Anto John Jagadeesh, the Province Vocation Promoter, and the Camp Chief Fr. Thominic Naveen Christy, the camp was carefully designed with a thematic schedule that balanced spiritual formation, knowing Don Bosco, Salesian community living, fun, picnics and recreation. The dedicated presence of Salesian priests, brothers, and lay collaborators brought depth to every session and event.
Major Themes and Highlights
April 23 – Arrival Day
The camp began with the arrival of the aspirants, warmly welcomed by the Camp Team. A spirit of anticipation filled the campus as students from different dioceses gathered with hope and openness. The Camp Chief took the boys for a short house tour and showed them the essential places in the campus.
April 24 – Come and See
Fr. Alphonse Philip, the Rector, introduced the theme of the camp, encouraging the boys to embrace the invitation to follow Christ. Being the 24th of the month, in line with Salesian tradition, the cart was blessed by Fr. Deva Joe, Rector of Don Rua Community, and was carried in procession around the campus as a sign of our devout love for our Blessed Mother. Ice-breakers was led by Br. Johnson that night which helped to foster a sense of communion and ease the boys into the camp environment. The Provincial, Fr Don Bosco, casually met the boys and shared a few thoughts with them later that evening.
April 25 – Call to Sanctity
Fr. Anto John highlighted the universal call to holiness, encouraging the camp students to strive for personal sanctity in the spirit of Don Bosco during the morning Eucharist. Fr Xavier met the boys during the morning conference and shared thoughts on the Salesian vocation and Spirituality. The evening Campfire was a joyful celebration of faith and fraternity.
April 26 – Dreams of Don Bosco
Fr. Arokiadoss, the Principal of Don Bosco Matriculation School, Tirupattur, celebrated the morning mass and gave the morning conference for the boys, sharing his own vocation story. Later that evening a rosary and prayer service was held for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The movie ‘Mary’ was screened for the boys that night.
April 27 – INM Priestly Ordinations
The day began with the nature meditation animated by the Brothers. Fr Pathiaraj the Rector of Becchi theologate celebrated the mass and gave the conference for the boys. Fr John Alexander, the Vice-Provincial, later gave a short talk and interacted with the boys. It was a day of grace and inspiration as the boys witnessed the INM ordination of 11 young Salesian deacons. The joy and solemnity of the occasion left a deep impact on all the Camp Students.
April 28 – Camp Inauguration
The camp was formally inaugurated by the Provincial of Chennai, Fr. L. Don Bosco, who emphasized vocational discernment and rootedness in Salesian spirituality. Fr Anto John gave the conference for the boys that morning. Later that evening a movie called ‘The Star’ was screened for the boys.
April 29 – Preventive System
Fr. Praveen Peter, the Rector of Scared Heart College, Tirupattur, explained the hallmark of Don Bosco’s educational approach, the Preventive System. The first English Aptitude Test was conducted to assess communication skills and to check the intellectual capability of the boys.
April 30 – Youth Ministry & Talents Day
Fr. John Christy, the Province youth director, focused on dynamic youth engagement and various youth activities in the Province. The evening Talent show showcased the diverse gifts of the candidates and boosted their confidence and Salesian Family spirit as a whole.
May 1 – Salesian Priesthood & Night Olympics
Fr. Emmanuel Maddichetty, Principal of Becchi theologate, shared his journey in the priesthood and engaged with the boys during the conference. The group was energized with a competitive and fun-filled Night Olympics that boosted the team spirit and made them play in their teams and get a sense of belonging for each of their teams.
May 2 -- Word of God
Fr Lieo Charles emphasized the importance of the Word of God and shared his own story that truly inspired the boys. He also animated the evening adoration. Later that evening a Bible Night was organized with the boys taking active participation in it.
May 3 – Don Bosco’s Spirituality & 1st Walking Picnic
Fr. Robert Vincent explained Don Bosco’s personal sanctity and his trust in Providence with the Camp Students. The boys enjoyed a walking picnic to Sacred Heart College and Dominic Savio School. A movie was screened for them at the indoor auditorium in the Sacred Heart College.
May 5 – Spiritual Direction & Aptitude Test II
Fr. Dominic Sagayaraj spoke on the role of spiritual direction in the life of a Salesian and how importance it is as a tool in our vocational journey. During the mass he shared his own vocational story. The second round of the English Aptitude Test. The boys showed earnestness in improving their performance.
May 6 – Salesiana & Marian Nite
Fr. Arockia Dass presented a visual and interactive account of Don Bosco’s life. It captivated the young ones and gave them ideas as to how they could use social media for evangelization.
May 7 – Missionary Vocation
Fr. Johnson Paulraj inspired the boys with stories from the many years he has spent in the missions.
May 8 – Salesian Saints & 2nd Walking Picnic
Fr. Jerry highlighted the lives of Salesian saints and inspired the young minds to follow the footsteps towards holiness. The second walking picnic to Mary Immaculate Convert and Mary Help of Christians parish, Tirupattur was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys. Later that evening a game of housie based on the life of Don Bosco was organized by Fr Jerry with many amazing gifts.
May 9 – Brotherhood Vocation – St. Zatti
Bro. Arunraj introduced the vocation of the Salesian Brotherhood with the example of Saint Artemide Zatti. The Marian Nite was filled with devotion and creativity and encouraged our boys to learn more about our Mother.
May 10 – Predilection for the Young & Cooking Competition
Fr. Johnson Bashyam emphasized the element of loving-kindness and importance of the preference for the young in the Salesian life. The cooking competition, led by was a burst of creativity and teamwork with the boys having their meal in the midst of nature at our farmlands.
May 11 – Devotion to Mary Help of Christians & Sports Day
Fr. Anto Sagayaraj shared on the devotion to Mary and the prime role she plays in the life of Salesians. The Sports Day blended physical vigor with team spirit and brought out the athletic spirit of our boys.
May 12 – Salesian Family & Aptitude Test III
Fr. John Britto explained the global Salesian Family and the role of each one in leading the other to our Jesus.
May 13 – Don Bosco & Mamma Margaret & Don Bosco Nite
Fr. Micheal Lazar shared on the role of Mamma Margaret. The Don Bosco Nite was a touching and joyful tribute to the Saint of Youth and motivated the boys to follow in the footsteps of this wonderful Saint.
May 14 – Religious Life & Yelagiri Picnic
The boys were taken on a picnic to Yellagiri hills. At the Novitiate Fr. Bellarmine highlighted the idea of religious commitment and the stages of formation during the mass. The day was filled with joy and fun as they were taken to various theme parks and bird parks and had their lunch at the Don Bosco College Yellagiri.
May 16 – Come to Stay – Always with Don Bosco
Fr. Pushparaj during the mass gave a clear message that life with Don Bosco is a life with Christ. The Grand Finale was a joyful celebration filled with gratitude and blessings.
May 17 – Conclusion
The camp concluded with a thanksgiving Eucharist and final address by the Vocation Promoter. The camp boys departed with hearts filled with joy, hope, and clarity, inspired to journey further in their call to Salesian life. The parents of the camp boys met the Vocation Promotor individually to discuss about the selection process and he also addressed them regarding the implications of Religious life in contrast to Diocesan life in common.
The 2025 Salesian Vocation Camp was not merely an event but a transformative experience. Rooted in prayer, friendship, learning, and service, the camp empowered young men to listen to God’s voice and walk courageously in the footsteps of Don Bosco. We felt the accompanying presence of God and the Protection of Mother Mary throughout the camp. It was indeed a rich Salesian Experience for the Camp Students.
