Praying for Vocations
Jesus said “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.” John: 10:11-12
In 1964, Pope Paul VI, launched Vocations Sunday, which we celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Easter, also called ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ (21 April 2024).
Pope Francis said: “Dear friends, on this day, but also in the ordinary pastoral life of our communities, I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say, ‘yes’ to God.”
At the weekend masses (20/21 April 2024) we welcomed Brother Reuben and Brother Sixtus, two Salesian brothers from our Battersea community to speak to the Parish about their vocational journey.
Brother Reuben’s Story
Brother Reuben spoke about his vocation journey at the Sunday 10.30 am Mass. Brought up in Liberia as a protestant, his vocation began with an invitation to take part in a local Salesian group, playing sports during the day and finishing the day with prayer. He was moved to join other youngsters saying the rosary at the end of the day and went on to experience Adoration for the first time. He attended catechism classes and eventually went to a Salesian School. He overcame many hurdles and achieved the necessary academic requirements to begin training as a priest. One of the hurdles was a period of financial difficulty when his father was ill. During that time he was given a scholarship which meant he could stay at the Salesian School and that scholarship was funded by the Sean Devereux Children’s Fund.
A ‘Come & See’ event enabled Brother Reuben to learn more about life as a Salesian and convinced him that this is what he wanted to be.
His novitiate has included training in Nigeria, interruptions due to the ebola outbreak, studies in philosophy, work in schools in Ghana and most recently his arrival in UK in 2021 to study theology and work with the Salesians. He has spent time in Bolton, Bollington, Liverpool and now Battersea.
He spoke with enthusiasm about community life with the Salesians and his appreciation of the good work they do especially with young people. His talk was very inspiring and you can hear it in full here:
Summer Vocation Experience
This year, the Salesians of Don Bosco are organising a Summer Vocation Experience with Don Bosco from 29 July to 2 August.
This will be a weeklong residential based at Savio House, the Salesian Retreat Centre in Bollington. During the week, there will be games, adventures, a day trip out, sports and the opportunity to learn more about the Salesians of Don Bosco.
We believe that God calls each one of us to a special vocation in life. This week will give you the chance to listen to God and ask Him ‘Where are you calling me, Lord?’’ and we would like you to join us.
Anyone discerning a call to religious life and would like to participate in the Salesian Vocation Camp, please speak with Fr Anthony Lobo – alobo@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
To become a priest, deacon, sister or brother who proclaims the truth and peace of Jesus Christ please contact Cn. John Cooke – vocations@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or call 01329 318 869.d
