(ANS – Lima) – The Salesian Vocational Meeting, held at various Salesian centres in Lima from 24 to 28 July 2026, continued with a wealth of insights. The programme, attended by 18 young people in the process of vocational discernment, included times of prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, formation, sporting activities, communal living and personal reflection.
Sunday 26 July 2026
On Sunday 26 July at 9.30 am, the young people arrived at the Santa Rosa de Lima house in Breña to share a moment of dialogue with the senior Salesians who, after several decades of religious and priestly life, continue to bear witness to their fidelity to the Lord and to Don Bosco’s charism.
The meeting was moderated by Fr Jesús Jurado, who guided the conversation between the participants and the Salesians: Fr Jaime Payano, Fr Marino de Pra, Fr Pablo Corante, Fr René Corrales, Fr Matías Lara and Fr Jaime Peidro. In an atmosphere of closeness and trust, the young people asked questions about the emergence of a vocation, moments of difficulty, the joys of ministry and the challenges of remaining faithful to God’s call.
One of the first questions concerned the discovery of one’s vocation. How does one know that it is truly a call from God and not just a fleeting feeling? Fr Pablo Corante replied, drawing on his own experience, explaining that a vocation usually matures gradually. “No angel appeared to me to tell me that God was calling me. It all happened gradually. First I got to know the Salesians in Breña, then the Rector, and that’s how I discovered my path. Every moment of my life has been important to God. My vocation is to be with people, and this continues to bring me joy.”
The questions also helped to show that a vocation is not without its trials. In this regard, Fr René Corrales recounted one of the most difficult episodes of his ministry, when he was temporarily suspended for taking part in a pro-life demonstration.
Fr Marino de Prà recalled his early years as a Salesian and the journey that took him from Italy to Peru. His testimony helped to illustrate that a vocation sometimes involves leaving one’s homeland in order to respond generously to the mission entrusted by God.
The conversation concluded with the words of Fr Matías Lara, who reminded the young people that generous dedication always finds its reward in the joy of serving.
The day continued with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by the Provincial of the Salesians in Peru, Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, at the first Salesian house in Peru, San Juan Bosco del Rímac. In his homily, he invited the young people to reflect on the figure of King Solomon, who asked God for the gift of wisdom and a heart capable of listening to and discerning His will.
During the celebration, a significant gesture also took place: the presentation of necklaces bearing the inscription ‘SDB’, a symbol that will accompany the young people during this period of discernment. Immediately afterwards, the participants were introduced to the leaders of the Salesian Oratory in Rímac, who undertook to provide spiritual guidance to each of the participants.
The day concluded with a pilgrimage to the historic centre, ending at Lima Cathedral, where Fr David Franco, a historian of the Salesians in Peru, led a guided tour.
The meeting with Fr Alcas
On the morning of Monday 27 July, for over an hour, the Provincial of PER listened to the participants’ concerns and recounted, drawing on his own experience, how he himself discovered the path to which God was calling him. “God communicates with us in different ways: a vocational encounter, a word, a friend, a priest… God uses many means,” he said.
The young people’s questions then sparked an informal conversation about the challenges of the vocational journey. Fr Alcas recalled that his decision to join the Congregation was fraught with difficulties. However, he explained that his vocation matured gradually thanks to his service at the oratory, an experience that allowed him to discover the joy of accompanying others.
He also emphasised that discernment should not be undertaken in isolation. Indeed, in addition to prayer, he stressed the need for a spiritual director to help them understand what is happening in their hearts. “Sharing one’s doubts and feelings prevents difficulties from becoming obstacles to responding to God’s call,” he explained.
“God does not call those who are capable; he makes those he calls capable.” With these words, Fr Alcas finally encouraged the young people not to let themselves be overwhelmed by fear or a sense of inadequacy, but to trust that God accompanies and strengthens those who respond generously to his invitation.
The dialogue with the Provincial thus became one of the most significant moments of the third day of the Salesian Vocational Meeting, offering the young people a space to ask their questions and continue to deepen the journey of discernment they have embarked upon.
