Vocation Promoters Urged to Adopt Mission-Oriented Approach at Regional Conference in Bhopal

Bhopal, March 5, 2026: A regional gathering of vocation promoters from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh emphasised the need for a renewed, mission-centred approach to vocation ministry within the Church. The conference, organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) through its VSCR Commission, was held at the Pastoral Center in Bhopal under the theme “Strengthening Vocation Promotion through Pastoral Mission Orientation.”

The meeting brought together vocation promoters, formators and pastoral leaders from the two central Indian states to reflect on the Church’s mission and explore effective ways of encouraging priestly and religious vocations.

The conference began with a prayer service and presentation of the theme, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Christu Raj, regional secretary of the VSCR Commission for Madhya Pradesh. Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI VSCR Commission, introduced the objectives of the gathering and highlighted its pastoral significance for the Church’s mission in the region.

Delivering the inaugural address as chief guest, Fr. Ishwar Das Minj, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bhopal, encouraged participants to deepen their commitment to fostering vocations rooted in the missionary life of the Church. Fr. Reboni Asir, Director of the Pastoral Center, also addressed the participants, offering an overview of the centre and extending a warm welcome to the delegates.

A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Fr. Francis Scaria, Rector of Khrist Premalaya Regional Theologate. Speaking on “Church Perspectives of Mission Thrust in Vocation Promotion,” he stressed that vocation ministry must emerge from the Church’s missionary identity rather than being limited to recruitment efforts.

Fr. Scaria called on vocation promoters to accompany young people in discerning God’s call within the wider mission of the Church. Drawing on pastoral realities and theological insights, he underscored the importance of fostering communities that nurture discernment, offer credible witness and inspire missionary commitment. His presentation generated lively interaction and discussion among the participants.

The programme also featured several formation-oriented sessions designed to strengthen pastoral approaches to vocation ministry. Fr. Charles Leon led a session titled “Knowing Each Other and Dynamics of the Conference,” followed by another on the purpose and outcomes of the seminar along with a socio-pastoral analysis of the mission context.

Sr. Mary Kutty JM, Provincial of the JM Congregation in Raipur and a National Council member of the VSCR Commission, conducted a session on “Knowing Our Candidates as Adolescents – Aptitude, Values and Psychological Developmental Tasks.” She emphasised the importance of understanding the psychological and developmental dimensions of young candidates in order to guide them more effectively in their vocational journey.

In the second phase of the conference, Sr. Mary Kutty addressed common concerns in vocation promotion, including early identification of potential candidates and the importance of personal accompaniment and mentoring. Fr. Charles Leon also facilitated a session on “Spiritual Conversation in Groups,” enabling participants to share pastoral experiences and insights. The discussions culminated in group presentations and a session on best practices and policy concerns in vocation ministry.

The conference concluded with a session of evaluation and reflection, with participants expressing renewed commitment to accompany young people discerning God’s call and to strengthen vocation promotion in their respective dioceses and congregations.

Vocation Promoters Urged to Adopt Mission-Oriented Approach at Regional Conference in Bhopal

Latest News