For the last two years, we could not have effective Vocation Camps due to Covid-19. This year, we were able to have full-fledged Vocation Camp. As such, the Vocation Camp was organized from 6th June 2022 to 9th June 2022 in the SFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai. There were 27 students from all over Tamilnadu who participated in Vocation Camp with the theme ‘Come and See’ Call. Many students had come from our own parishes (Ravusapatty, Ammapatty and Mariyapuram).The students were initiated into varieties of spiritual, intellectual, cultural and academic activities, so that they could realize the call of God within them.
On 6th evening, the Camp attendees were officially welcomed by Fr. C. John Britto, the rector of the Seminary in the presence of the staff, the students and a few Msfs Confreres. The Seminary Community Celebrated the Eucharist on 7th June making the attendees to reflect on many aspects of ‘come and see’. Sr. Amutha SCC and Fr. Jerry Louis Msfs organized the whole days input sessions with thought provoking and inspiring themes. In the noon, the students were taken to visit the notable frescoes in the famous Chithanavasal .
On 8th Fr. P. S. Joseph, the councilor in-charge of Formation celebrated the Eucharist and wished the students on behalf of the province. The day’s session was organized by Fr. Johnson Jeyabal Msfs and Fr. Sheen Msfs with lots of visuals and information about our MSFS Congregation and Mission. On this day, Fr. Sheen was hounoured by the seminary community for his long years of service to the province as the vocation promoter. In the evening, formal interview was conducted for admission into seminary. Thereafter, cultural programmes were organized to exhibit the talents of the students and many displayed their varieties of talents.
On the final day on 9th June, four of our new priests celebrated their first thanksgiving mass, which was an inspiration to the camp attendees. The new priests were hounoured by the seminary community. As a whole, the camp was a grand success.
I thank Fr. Provincial and his administration for their concern and support for the success of the Vocation Camp. Thanks to Fr. P.S. Joseph for his presence and involvement. I wholeheartedly thank the rector, the staff (Fr. Jerry Louis, Fr. Selvamani, Fr. Christo and Bro. Anto) and the students for the meticulous planning and team work. Special thanks to Fr. Sheen, the former vocation promoter. Big thanks to Fr. Naveen, Fr. Sathish and Fr. Mahimai, who also helped the vocation camp.
Fr. D. Jaya Kumar Msfs