By Jillian B. Belamide

Canlubang, the Philippines, 3 November 2023 -- It has been the annual tradition of VocTok to hold its Rosary for Vocations every last Saturday of October. This event aims to gather all young people to pray for more vocations for the Salesian Family.

This year’s celebration was held on 28 October 2023, with the theme “MANGARAP: Huwag matakot, kasama mo ako” (Dream: Be not afraid, I am with you) anchored on the 200-year celebration of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine years of age. In the same way, it aimed to encourage young people to dream God’s dream for them.

The event was hosted at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Canlubang, and brought together numerous youth organizations, priests, brothers, sisters, and aspirants. It included a wide variety of activities that perfectly captured the essence of the major theme.

Each activity was thoughtfully planned to highlight the importance of dreaming without fear, placing one's faith in Mary's divine guidance, and encouraging an overwhelming feeling of belonging among the participants.

It began with the retelling of the life of Don Bosco at the age of nine when he experienced a significant and extraordinary dream. This peculiar dream profoundly impacted Don Bosco's life, leading him to dedicate himself to the service and guidance of youth.

During the rosary proper, each mystery was dedicated to various groups, including the SDB priests and lay brothers, FMA, Caritas sisters, cooperators, ADMA, DAMAS, VDB, CDB, the youth, the Salesian Missionaries, and the Salesian Family.

As a moving illustration of the event's overarching theme of dreams, Karen Calma shared a heartfelt narrative about her aspirations. She recounted her unwavering determination to persevere in the face of challenges, driven by her unshakeable belief in God's purpose for her dreams, with the guiding presence of Mary.

“When it seems nobody can fight for you, remember God who always just holds on and never lets go. He fights with you. Hold on. Fight for it. Mama Mary will intercede for us.

The backdrop, once an empty canvas, was changed into a mosaic of hopes and ambitions. A colorful tapestry of the dreams of individuals woven together by the common thread of faith in Mary’s mercy. As the star-shaped papers decorated the altar, a profound sense of collective devotion prevailed in the venue, fostering a profound connection among the participants and the guiding presence of Mary.

The event ended with a goodnight talk from Fr. Jayson David, Vocation Director of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who motivated each person to continue dreaming and never abandon their aspirations. He also humbly asked for prayers for the Salesian family, highlighting the intention of the rosary–for more Salesian vocation for the Salesian Family.

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