The Vocational Guidance and Formation Commission members along with the Provincial Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB after the commission meeting.
The Vocation Guidance and Formation Commission of the Province held a meeting on Saturday, 19th July 2025, at the Commission Board Room, Provincial House, Panbazar, Guwahati. The gathering, which brought together members involved in vocations and formation, aimed at reviewing the current vocational scenario, addressing formation-related concerns, and formulating strategic plans for the year ahead.
The meeting commenced at 10:00 AM with a Hymn to the Holy Spirit, followed by an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Paul Minj.
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial, addressed the Commission members and spoke of the need to help young people not only discover their vocation to the priesthood and religious life but also to find their unique path in life. He stressed the importance of involving laypeople in our apostolate and in vocational guidance, stating, “Lay people should become part of our apostolate.” He further emphasized the need to organize meetings with the parents of candidates in formation and to care for them as part of the accompaniment process.
He spoke passionately about the fragility of vocations today and the urgent need to promote, accompany, and guide candidates in their discernment of God’s call. The Provincial also expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr. John Mathias Marak for taking up the new responsibility as the Vocation Promoter of the Parish, assuring him of the Province’s full support.
Rev Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim, SDB, Vice Provincial, presented a brief review of the minutes from the previous meeting and provided an insightful analysis of the current vocational scenario in the Province. He stressed the need for proactive engagement, close accompaniment, and the use of creative methods to inspire vocations amidst contemporary challenges. He also highlighted the importance of the Commission adopting a broader perspective—offering vocational guidance not just for religious and priestly life but for all young people discerning their path in life.
Rev Fr. Mathias Marak, Vocation Promoter, shared his reflections and current initiatives in vocational animation. This was followed by a focused discussion led by Fr. Mackley Gomes on the challenges and opportunities in vocational animation. The session was marked by active participation and a collaborative exchange of ideas.
After the coffee break, Rev Fr. Ethelbert Minj addressed formation-related concerns and provided updates from the Aspirantates to Theology, underlining the importance of integral formation and personalized guidance. Rev Fr. Mathias Marak then facilitated a session on the planning of vocation camps and accompaniment initiatives, envisioning a year of rich vocational outreach and support.
The final segment of the meeting was a brainstorming session focused on the Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2026, which engaged all participants in charting a purposeful and forward-looking roadmap.
The meeting concluded with remarks and a summary by the Vice Provincial, followed by the final prayer and blessing imparted by Fr. Mackley Augustine Gomes, SDB.
