By Adam Burns
SITTING on the front steps of the parish hall in Lautoka, Fiji, a local woman approached me and proclaimed, “You must be Australian”.
She proceeded to tell me that she had just met eight young men from Australia, all dressed in bright Hawaiian-style shirts walking around the streets of Lautoka saying “Bula” (which means hello) to everybody.
All I could do was laugh as I imagined the eight VOCadventure participants waving and greeting everyone they met.
The VOCadventure Program developed by Brisbane archdiocese’s Vocations Centre is offered as one of its discernment programs.
Earlier this month, vocations director Fr Morgan Batt and I led a group of eight men aged 17 to 19 on a Pilgrimage to Priesthood.
The program aims to challenge young men and open up the question: “Am I called to be a priest?”
As we travelled around, the participants encountered different cities, towns and villages, and discovered a culture different from their own.
The hospitality and warmth of the local people was certainly a highlight, as we received food and accommodation from many kind locals.
The high point, literally, was climbing to the summit of Mt Victoria. Many of the young men, myself included, had never faced a challenge like this before.
Reaching the top and celebrating Mass together was certainly a victorious feeling – until we realised we had to walk back down.
The program also included a stay at St Peter Chanel Pacific Regional Seminary, the place where seminarians from around the Pacific undertake priestly formation.
Here men from various cultural backgrounds journeying towards the priesthood surrounded the participants.
It was certainly an experience of the universal Church, as we joined the seminarians for Mass and daily prayer.
What makes this program more than just a trip is its discernment element.
Participants had the opportunity to chat with Fr Morgan, myself and each other about different faith questions.
They were able to hear from the seminarians about why they were discerning priesthood.
After the successful 2013 program, several young men have decided to continue their discernment, by attending the Quo Vadis discernment weekend on September 6-8 this year. VOCadventure will be offered again in 2014.
For information about this program, or if you have queries, contact the Vocations Centre at vocations@bne.catholic.net.au, visit www.catholicpriesthood.com or call 1300 133 544.
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