- 21 August, 2025
Bangalore, August 21, 2025 – The CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminary, and Clergy Renewal (VSCR) organised the Vocation Promoters’ Seminar for the South Zone at Nava Spoorti Kendra, Davis Road, Bangalore, from 19 to 21 August 2025. The seminar brought together 120 participants from 18 dioceses and 53 religious congregations across the Southern regions of the CCBI. The Commission’s office bearers provided clear direction and renewed zeal for vocation ministry.
The inaugural Eucharist reflected on the call of Moses and was presided over by Fr. Paul D’Souza, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation. He urged promoters to remain joyful, hopeful, and attentive to the cry of God’s people. In his address, Fr. Paul proposed a threefold mindset shift: from promoting institutions to presenting Jesus; from focusing on numbers to discerning genuine vocations; and from competition to collaboration.
Fr. Peter Balaswamy, CSsR, delivered the keynote address, affirming that vocation promotion is primarily God’s work (Missio Dei)—a Trinitarian mission in which the Father calls, the Son heals and renews, and the Holy Spirit inspires. Drawing from the Emmaus Dialogue, he invited participants to formulate clear, contextually rooted guidelines for vocation promotion that emphasise encounter, accompaniment, and discernment.
In subsequent sessions, resource persons operationalised this vision. Fr. Joe Xavier, SJ, introduced the Spiritual Conversation Methodology—prayer, attentive listening, intentional speaking, and consensus-building—as a practical pathway for communal discernment. Participants were divided into 12 groups, each assigned four specific concerns to pray over and discern. The insights received were compiled to frame guidelines for vocation promotion in the Church in India.
Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph (CCBI Media Apostolate) trained participants to create short, mission-focused films, highlighting that we live in a “visual generation,” and encouraged strategic use of digital platforms. All 12 groups produced short films, which were subsequently screened and evaluated.
On the second day, Bishop Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, celebrated Holy Mass, urging vocation promoters to reconstruct their mindset to build the Church as God’s Kingdom, responding like the Prophet Jeremiah to God’s call. On the final day, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore presided at the Eucharist, reminding vocation promoters and formators to carry out their mission with humility and impartiality, recognising that every vocation is both divine and human.
Fr. Charles Leon offered practical guidance, encouraging participants to “cast the net on the other side,” identify fertile soil, make a U-turn towards renewed commitment, and adopt a holistic approach in accompanying candidates. Emerging priorities highlighted during the seminar included stronger parish collaboration (including BCCs), formation of vocation clubs, recognition and support for promoters, assistance for poorer dioceses and congregations, attention to psycho-social care (MHPSS), and a shift in perspective from “vocation promoter” to “vocation coordinator.”
In the valedictory session, Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, affirmed: “Faith is the measure of our passion, and passion gives us fire to work for the Lord and His Church.” He encouraged the use of platforms like Catholic Connect and initiatives such as Communio to strengthen collaboration and missionary outreach.
With clarity, confidence, and conviction, the participants were commissioned to go forth and reap the harvest, carrying a shared commitment to nurture a vibrant culture of vocation for the Church in India.
By Sr. Deensha SAL (Sisters of St. Ann of Luzern)
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