4304_Grow as open and dynamic Salesian Family
Witness of joyful service to the poorest young people is your future:
The Rector Major visits to Salesian Family in Vietnam (5)
February 23, 2017
HCM City, Vietnam, 22 February -- The last event of the RM's visit in the compound of the HCM City provincial house was the great Salesian Family encounter in the afternoon of February 22nd. About 900 participants from all SF groups were present: SDB, FMA, Don Bosco Past Pupils, FMA Past Pupils, VDB, SGC as well many Friends of Don Bosco, Parents of the Salesians - especially of the numerous Salesian missionaries ad gentes working in all 5 continents and some benefactors.
Fr. Angel first met the SF members in the Hall for a short talk and open forum, animated by the Salesian Cooperators. In his short address shared his feeling about his two days in Vietnam and appreciated a lot the colourful dress of the FMA and other members. As on other occasions the Father and Center of unity in the Salesian Family challenged all present to build up the Family - more open (hearts and door) to the poorest young people, more vibrant and dynamic and growing in identity, spirituality and numbers. The Caritas of Jesus Congregation was introduced for the first time to the whole Family and also the wish to see soon the ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians) to be founded.
Then followed the photo session and the Eucharistic celebration attended by more than 900 people. In his homily Fr. Angel invited all to be more grateful for the gift of Salesian vocation to the Church in Vietnam and invited to pray for the 120 SDB - FMA Vietnamese missionaries ad gentes witnessing the love of Jesus in all five continents. At the end invited all present to live the present moment of history as an hour of the Holy Spirit and to contribute to the transformation of the present world for better with the Gospel spirit like Don Bosco: "The deep Joy of Jesus disciples should be our first witness to the world!"
Then followed a Family dinner in the not-yet-finished ground hall of the new Xuan Hiep parish Church animated by songs and dances of various Salesian Family groups.
On the following day the Rector Major is proceeding to the second leg of his trip to Dalat - Bao Loc province (about 400 km from HCM City) - for another day with the Salesians, Don Bosco Salesian Family and with the Young of this region.
