The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) actively promotes vocations to the Salesian priesthood and religious life, following the vision of St. John Bosco. Through various initiatives, they inspire and guide young men to discern their calling to serve God and society.
Key Initiatives for Vocation Promotion:
- Vocation Camps & Retreats – Organizing special programs to help young people discern their calling.
- Accompaniment & Mentorship – Providing spiritual guidance through priests, brothers, and vocation animators.
- School & Youth Outreach – Engaging with students and youth groups to encourage interest in religious life.
- Aspirantate & Pre-Novitiate Formation – Offering structured programs for those seriously considering a Salesian vocation.
- Media & Social Awareness – Using digital platforms, magazines, and publications to spread awareness about Salesian vocations.
The Salesians of Chennai continue to inspire, guide, and nurture young people in their journey toward a life of service and commitment in the footsteps of Don Bosco.
Our Team
Fr. Antonisamy Arockiadoss SDB
Reports
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
1. Department Information
- Name of the Department: Salesian Province of Trichy
- Report Title: Vocation Promotion Report – 2025
- Scope: Evaluation of Salesian Youth Ministry in various dioceses
2. Dioceses Covered
The following dioceses were visited as part of the vocation promotion program:
- Coimbatore
- Dindigul
- Kotare
- Kuzhithurai
- Kumbakonam
- Madurai
- Salem
- Sivagangai
- Thanjavur
- Trichy
- Tuticorin
- Palayamkottai
Total number of schools, parishes, and colleges visited: 2,368
3. Schools Visited and Participant Details
Dindigul
- Schools Visited: 6
- Number of Participants: 172
- 8th Grade – 58
- 10th Grade – 86
- 12th Grade – 33
- Aspiring Participants: 76
- 8th Grade – 20
- 10th Grade – 40
- 12th Grade – 12
- ITI & College – 4
Kotare
- Schools Visited: 8
- Number of Participants: 220
Kumbakonam
- Schools Visited: 11
- Number of Participants: 300
Madurai
- Schools Visited: 14
- Number of Participants: 280
Salem
- Schools Visited: 17
- Number of Participants: 255
Sivagangai
- Schools Visited: 12
- Number of Participants: 310
- 8th Grade – 23
- 10th Grade – 25
- 12th Grade – 5
- Aspiring Participants: 53
Trichy
- Schools Visited: 9
- Number of Participants: 160
Thanjavur
- Schools Visited: 15
- Number of Participants: 373
Tuticorin
- Schools Visited: 9
- Number of Participants: 240
Kuzhithurai
- Schools Visited: 4
- Number of Participants: 120
4. Challenges Identified
A. Family and Social Factors
- Increase in broken families, unhealthy relationships, and nuclear family setups discourage youth from considering vocations.
- Lack of motivation from both parents and religious institutions.
- A decline in spiritual values and exemplary life among priests.
B. Formation and Lifestyle Expectations
- Fear of the lengthy formation period discourages candidates.
- High expectations regarding lifestyle aspects such as:
- Mobile phones
- Luxurious living conditions
- Holiday allowances
- Private rooms and academic choices
C. Preference for Secular Careers
- Parents prioritize careers that ensure financial stability over religious vocations.
- Children are enrolled in special classes and training programs but are not encouraged to participate in family prayers or catechism classes.
D. Internal Community Challenges
- Lack of a cordial relationship within the community due to:
- Lack of acceptance
- Individualistic attitudes
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Disrespect among members
- Failure to live an authentic, witnessing life.
Introduction
The Vocation Promotion Department is dedicated to encouraging and nurturing religious vocations among youth and supporting formators in their mission. Through various camps, workshops, and outreach programs, the department aims to create spaces where individuals can explore their calling and deepen their spiritual journey.
In the upcoming year, several programs are scheduled at the Province level to foster vocational awareness. These events will bring together formators and participants from different regions to share, learn, and grow together in their vocation.
Program Schedule
Below is a list of planned vocation-related events for the year. This schedule includes the date, venue, the region of organization, the type of program, and the expected participants. All formators are encouraged to actively participate in these programs to ensure their success and impact.
Event Details
The Vocation Promotion Department has scheduled multiple events to be held at the Province level over the coming months. The first event is a One-day Vocation Camp, which will take place on 27th December 2025. This event is open to all formators and aims to provide an intensive day of vocational awareness and guidance.
The second event is scheduled for 1st May 2026 in Thanjavur, also at the Province level. It will be a Vocation Camp designed for all formators, with a focus on sharing best practices and encouraging collaboration among formators from different zones.
Further programs will be planned, and dates, venues, and details for events 3 to 9 will be finalized and communicated in due course. All these events aim to strengthen vocational formation efforts and provide support to those discerning their calling.
Conclusion
The success of these programs depends on the active involvement of all formators and their commitment to guiding young individuals in discerning their vocational path. This schedule serves as a roadmap for collaborative efforts in vocation promotion and spiritual development within the Province.
