Paul Anthony EMOKHARE (PhD)

The serene environment of the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Ogungbade, Ibadan, came alive from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, as young people gathered for the annual Savio Camp themed, “Serving Christ with Mary and Don Bosco.”

The three-day spiritual and educational gathering brought together youths from different parishes and communities for prayer, reflection, recreation, and discussions on Christian vocation and responsible living. The camp was organized in the spirit of Saint Dominic Savio, whose devotion to God and youthful holiness continue to inspire Catholic youths across the world.

Activities commenced on Friday afternoon with the arrival and accreditation of participants. The opening day featured evening prayers, the Holy Rosary, a formal welcome session, and an orientation programme coordinated by S. Nath SDB. Participants also engaged in familiarization and mini-animation exercises aimed at creating unity and friendship among campers. The day ended with a goodnight message delivered by the Youth Director, Fr. K. Ikeje SDB, who encouraged the youths to remain committed to faith, discipline, and service to humanity.

Saturday began on an energetic note with the traditional Savio Jog and general sanitation exercise before the celebration of the Holy Mass. The major highlight of the day was a series of talks centred on vocation and Christian living.

Speaking on “Vocation from a Biblical Point of View,” Fr Gabriel Azeez charged participants to discover God’s purpose for their lives through prayer, obedience, and commitment to service.

Another session focused on “Marital Life and its Socio-Cultural Implications,” delivered by Dr. Paul Anthony Emokhare and Dr. Christine Emokhare. The couple emphasized the importance of strong family values, mutual respect, communication, and moral upbringing in building a healthy society. Their presentation generated active participation during the question-and-answer session.

Further discussions explored the understanding of vocation from the perspective of religious life. The session, coordinated by Sr. Lilian DHS and Sr. Theodora OP, enlightened participants on the beauty of total dedication to God through religious service.

The camp also featured group discussions, presentations, games, recreational activities, an open forum, and a penitential service that included Rosary and Confession. The social night provided an atmosphere of joy, cultural interaction, music, and talent display among participants.

On the final day, participants gathered for an evaluation session where many described the camp as spiritually enriching and life-transforming. The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass, followed by group photographs and departure.

The organizers reiterated the timeless words of Saint Dominic Savio: “I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.”

The message, according to participants, perfectly captured the essence of the camp — encouraging young people to serve God faithfully through simple acts of love, discipline, and devotion.