Brian Moras sdb MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 19, 2008: The Western Region had its Regional Vocation Promotion Seminar at the Retreat House, Bandra on February 14-15, 2009. There were 110 participants representing 12 dioceses. Bishop Bosco Penha inaugurated the S
eminar and gave the keynote address. He urged the Vocation Promoters to be joyful witness and present the human face of Christ to the young. He also stressed the fact that every catholic is a vocation promoter. Fr. Gilbert gave an enlightening talk on the ‘Theological Perspectives of Mission in India Today'. He pointed out that our ministry needs to be context sensitive, based on the life and mission of Jesus. Fr. Vincent Pereira spoke on the ‘Psycho-Spiritual Aspects of Vocation Promotion’. He advised the group against manipulation of situations to suit one's own desires under the pretext of it being God’s will. He cautioned us about ‘brain washing’ people regarding vocations to priesthood and religious life. A vocation freely chosen makes you passionate 
and gives meaning to your entire existence. Fr. Cletus D’Souza dealt with ‘Approaching Youth for Vocations’. The introduction to this topic was through an enjoyable and symbolic Emmaus interactive walk and an effective powerpoint presentation on the culture of death. He urged the participants to bring about the culture of life; to understand the cries and crisis of faith, hope and love that the youth are facing; and to be in touch with the lingo of the youth. He concluded by saying that the vocation promoter should be on fire with a sense of mission and offer ‘Hope’: Happiness, Optimism, Patience and Enthusiasm. The other speakers too touched upon some critical points concerning the present day vocation scenario and issues regarding vocation promotion. At the end of the seminar all the participants felt energized to carry on their task of vocation promotion joyfully and enthusiastically.
eminar and gave the keynote address. He urged the Vocation Promoters to be joyful witness and present the human face of Christ to the young. He also stressed the fact that every catholic is a vocation promoter. Fr. Gilbert gave an enlightening talk on the ‘Theological Perspectives of Mission in India Today'. He pointed out that our ministry needs to be context sensitive, based on the life and mission of Jesus. Fr. Vincent Pereira spoke on the ‘Psycho-Spiritual Aspects of Vocation Promotion’. He advised the group against manipulation of situations to suit one's own desires under the pretext of it being God’s will. He cautioned us about ‘brain washing’ people regarding vocations to priesthood and religious life. A vocation freely chosen makes you passionate 
and gives meaning to your entire existence. Fr. Cletus D’Souza dealt with ‘Approaching Youth for Vocations’. The introduction to this topic was through an enjoyable and symbolic Emmaus interactive walk and an effective powerpoint presentation on the culture of death. He urged the participants to bring about the culture of life; to understand the cries and crisis of faith, hope and love that the youth are facing; and to be in touch with the lingo of the youth. He concluded by saying that the vocation promoter should be on fire with a sense of mission and offer ‘Hope’: Happiness, Optimism, Patience and Enthusiasm. The other speakers too touched upon some critical points concerning the present day vocation scenario and issues regarding vocation promotion. At the end of the seminar all the participants felt energized to carry on their task of vocation promotion joyfully and enthusiastically.