On June 1st, 2025, the Salesian parish of St. John Bosco opened its doors for a special gathering aimed at youth & young adults seeking clarity and direction in their spiritual lives. The event, titled “Vocation Talk,” was facilitated by both Sr. April Cabaccang and Br. Rafael Vargas, who brought authentic wisdom and real-life insight to the conversation.
The Universal Question: What’s Next?
Oftentimes, it’s the unknown that stirs up the most fear—especially when it comes to questions as big and personal as vocation. But seeing two young people boldly share their “yes” to God was both inspiring and reassuring. Sr. April and Br. Rafael didn’t just talk about their journeys—they lived them out in front of a room full of young individuals, many of whom are still wrestling with their own callings. Whether it’s the vocation to married life, single life, or religious life, their witness reminded everyone that discernment isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to take the first step.
For Br. Rafael Vargas, saying “yes” to God began quietly during a high school Mass. “It was the first school Mass of junior year,” he recalls. “During the homily, I felt God calling me to the priesthood.” From that moment, he began praying for the courage to follow wherever God led. By his senior year (Grade 12), he applied to join the Salesians.
Born and raised in New Jersey with roots in Puerto Rico, Br. Rafael found joy and belonging in the Salesian family. “I could be my full self—playing sports, making music, having fun—and still be serving God,” he says. Inspired by St. John Bosco’s example of loving and guiding youth, he embraces the Salesian charism wholeheartedly.
As Assistant Vocation Director, Br. Rafael hopes events like Vocation Talk help young people find clarity amid life’s pressures. “There’s so much pressure to have it all figured out—career, finances, relationships,” he explains. “But there’s freedom in realizing our future is secure in God’s hands. Trusting Him leads to a deeper joy than the world offers.”
Sr. April Cabaccang’s path to religious life wasn’t a sudden decision but a gradual unfolding. Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada from age 13, she grew in faith through Mass, choir, and the Legion of Mary. A Grade 10 retreat deepened her awareness of God’s personal love, sparking a desire to respond.
Surrounded by joyful Salesian Sisters and friends discerning religious life, Sr. April slowly opened her heart to the possibility.
“I would always hear a question in prayer: What if I’m called to be a sister?” she shares. Meeting the Salesian Sisters, she found inspiration in their joy, Family Spirit, and mission with youth. “I realized that’s how I wanted to love, too.”
As Vocations Director, Sr. April encourages young people to carve out space to ask God what He wants. “Distractions are everywhere,” she says, “but when young people take time for prayer, community, or spiritual direction, they hear God’s voice more clearly.”
Adding an experienced perspective to the evening’s discussion, Fr. John Puntino, Province Delegate for the Salesian Family and Cooperators of Canada, reminded attendees that every state of life is a vocation—a unique calling to holiness.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Fr. John’s own vocation was nurtured through joyful summers at Camp Don Bosco and early experiences of faith in school. He reflects on how the Salesian charism created a space where young people could be “young, happy, and holy at the same time.”
Recognizing the challenges facing young people today—such as secularism, individualism, and the pull of consumer culture—Fr. John emphasized the importance of encountering God’s presence through the Sacraments, joyful service, and supportive community.
“The best way to awaken a desire for a holy Christian life,” he said, “is through experiencing God’s love firsthand and being surrounded by holy companions.”
His words offered a hopeful reminder: while discerning one’s vocation can feel daunting, it is ultimately a journey walked with God and a community that encourages faithfulness and joy.