2791 Don Bosco's visit to Vietnam – at the Postnovitiate
austraLasia #2791 Don Bosco's visit to Vietnam – at the Postnovitiate
DALAT: 27 January 2011 -- After a long time of
expectation and material and spiritual preparation, the
Salesian post-novitiate community at Dalat welcomed the
visit of Don Bosco's Casket on the Feast day of St. Francis
of Sales, 24th of January.
For the last few years, this community
has been blessed with many 'ad gentes' vocations as the
fruits of its vitality in community life and Salesian
spirit. Now, it is still more blessed with the presence of
our Beloved Father who will stay for the whole week.
Thousands of people gathered for
this extraordinary event. As the vehicle carrying the Casket
arrived, an ovation of joyful exclamation broke out with
songs, brass band music, and cries. It is such a
indescribable atmosphere. This joyful climate soon became a
more devout and prayerful one as the Rector of the Community
presided over the Welcoming Ceremony. Then the Casket was
brought to the main altar for the Eucharistic celebration.
Salesian Bishop Peter De presided at the Mass together with
more than 20 concelebrating Salesian and non-Salesian
priests.
The Central Government sent its
representatives for this Salesian celebration. It was the
first time the State and its personnel at senior and local
levels had confirmed their desire to be a part of the event
as well as their readiness to make this two week event as
solemn as possible. This is exceptional since Vietnam is
still a communist and atheist country where religious
presence and influence are tolerated rather than supported.
Nevertheless, the State representative
for the ceremony expressed confidence in the Salesian
charism and activities which are helping poor youth in every
area and sector, embracing all youth despite their social
background and religious adherence.
Everyone hopes that the coming of Don
Bosco to different parts of the world will be an occasion
for the renewal of the zeal and conviction of each and every
one of Don Bosco’s followers. _________________ AustraLasia
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