Brazil – The “Vocational Courtyard – Come and See”: stories that inspire people to respond to God’s call
Inspired by Jesus’ invitation “Come and see” (Jn 1:39), the column aims to promote a culture of vocation by presenting testimonies from religious, young people and educators who have discovered, in Don Bosco’s charism, a path of service, joy and dedication to the mission alongside children, adolescents and young people.
In the first issue, the interviewee is Fr Roberto Modesto, who shares the story of his calling and the joy of living out his Salesian vocation.
“Being consecrated was the way I found to thank God”
Fr Modesto’s vocation began in childhood, inspired by the witness of faith lived out within his family.
“My vocation arose as a result of the religious formation I received from my parents, my maternal grandmother and my consecrated aunts. Their example kindled in me the desire to live life as a gift and to do good for others.”
His vocational journey was strengthened through active participation in his faith community, in the parish led by the Capuchin Friars Minor. At the age of 13, he began his vocational discernment and, after taking part in a Salesian vocational retreat, entered the Salesian Aspirantate in Araxá at the age of 14, where he began his secondary education.
Today, religious life is for him an expression of gratitude to God and the Virgin Mary:
“I cannot think of any other way to thank God for all that he has done and continues to do for me. Being a consecrated religious has been the way I have found to express my gratitude to him and to Mary.”
A mission alongside young people
Reflecting on what it means to be a Salesian priest today, Fr Modesto emphasises how the Salesian mission remains deeply relevant.
“It is about being with and being there for children, adolescents and young people in the most difficult situations, wherever they may be. Today more than ever, this is a time for listening, for being close to them and for helping them: it is urgent to defend the dignity of young people.”
He also emphasises the importance of the Salesian presence amongst the working classes, reaffirming fidelity to Don Bosco’s dream.
“It gives me great joy to work alongside the working classes. It was for young people and those most in need that the Salesian Congregation was conceived and brought to life by Don Bosco.”
A message to young people
Concluding the interview, the Salesian from BBH sends a message of hope to all those who are discerning their vocation.
“Take heart! Place yourselves in God’s hands and everything will be wonderful. We are not spared difficulties when we choose to belong to God, but there are immeasurable joys when we make a serious and authentic choice. Whether in marriage, consecrated life or the priestly ministry, be a gift pleasing to God!”
Through the “Vocational Courtyard – Come and See” column, the BBH Province aims to strengthen the culture of vocations, bringing young people into contact with real-life testimonies of those who have answered God’s call and found, within the Salesian charism, a life of service, hope and love for young people.
“Vocational Awakening”
In the same vein is the “Despertar Vocacional” (Vocational Awakening) event, scheduled for Saturday 20 June 2026 at 7.00 pm, to be held online; this initiative will enable young people from different regions of the province and from across Brazil to take part.
The aim is to provide a first step for those wishing to embark on a journey of listening and discernment, allowing themselves to be guided by God and inspired by the witness of holiness, joy and dedication to young people lived out by Don Bosco and the Salesian Family.