Regional collaboration bears fruit in HCM novitiate
HO CHI MINH CITY: 12th September 2006 -- A
combination of
financial assistance from China, Japan, Korea Salesian provinces, along
with the two Philippines provinces, the Rector Major and a US-based
association called the Apostles of Don Bosco, has seen the completion
of a new novitiate building in Ho Chi Minh City, precisely at Ba Thon
on the outskirts of the city. Not only is the building complete,
but
replete with 35 novices, 33 for this year plus two who extended their
time from last year.
The Ba Thon community started life back in 1975 as a
small parish,
but then grew over time to include a small-scale vocational training
centre with an oratory attached also used by the local school. It
then
added a pharmacy and clinic for the local neighbourhood. In due
course
the community became the novitiate community but the existing building
was near to collapse. Vietnam has the largest single group of
novices
in the entire region, so the need for a new building was urgent.
The
provincial asked if some provinces in the region could help. Now
we
see the fruits of that.
The complex was designed by a local architect in
discussion with
the Salesian community. It features a number of details that
immediately speak of Salesian spirituality and charism such as the
welcoming Good Shepherd at the entrance, and the Coat of Arms with the
Da Mihi Animas... The finished interior now also includes
paintings by
Salesian Brother Dominic Nam who has gone to Italy for training as a
printing technician at the Vatican Polyglot Press.
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