Sr Pauline Nkoy, a Daughter of Jesus on mission in the Ivory Coast, shares with us the experience of the diocesan vocational camp held in Daoukro from the 26th to the 30th of June 2024, the theme of which was “Master, where are you staying?”.
The aims of the camp
This event brought together around a hundred young men and women from various parishes in the diocese, all keen to reflect on and discern their vocation in the Catholic Church. The aims of the camp were to :
- provide a framework for young people to discern their true vocations.
- help participants better understand and discern their spiritual call, whether lay, religious, or priestly.
- strengthen young people’s faith through biblical teachings, times of prayer, and the sacraments.
- encourage fraternity and mutual aid between young people from different parish communities.
A mission of humanisation
The programme of activities was rich and varied.
Priests, religious brothers and sisters, and lay people led talks on various aspects of the spiritual and vocational life. During these talks, we were given the opportunity to briefly present the history of the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus – its founders, its charism, its spirituality, and its presence in the world.
As well as the presentation, the Daughters of Jesus community in Daoukro also played the role of “guardian” by hosting all the young girls and the accompanying Sisters who came to supervise the young people.
It was a rich time of sharing, with days full of various activities. Each day began and ended with moments of collective prayer, including daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration and the rosary.
The participants met in small groups to discuss the themes and share their personal experiences. Volleyball, football, an outing and a recreational evening were organised to strengthen the bonds between the young people and create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
The outcome of the camp
This diocesan vocational camp was a notable success, with many young people expressing spiritual renewal and a better understanding of their vocation. Some expressed a desire to pursue further discernment, while others committed themselves to becoming more involved in their parish communities.
It was a powerful moment of communion and discernment for the young participants. The theme “Master, where are you staying?” enabled everyone to reflect deeply on their relationship with God and their place in the Church, paving the way for new vocations and commitments within the diocesan community.
« The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. »
St Luke 10,2
Sr Pauline Nkoy, dj
Daoukro, Ivory Coast
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