CAU BONG: 7th December 2005 -- As a prelude to the Feast
of the Immaculate Conception, arguably the most important Salesian
Feast day other than that of the Founder himself, here is an
interesting reflection from the prenovices at Cau Bong. There are
35 of them, ranging from 21-32 years of age, no spring
chickens therefore; they come from all over Vietnam - from the
North, Central and South to the Mekong Delta. They belong mostly
to the poorer or lower middle class socio-economic range.
Education-wise the majority have College or University degrees and most
include English amongst their subjects, some even speaking the language
without too much difficulty. The formation staff at Cau Bong
number eight in all, one of whom is a Brother. The occasion was a
visit by the Regional Councillor, Fr Vaclav Klement, and his questions
were just two: 'Are you happy here?' and 'Why do you think you are
here?' The responses below are presented as if they are the
response of a single individual. He is obviously a composite and
complex individual! Amongst other things the responses give an insight
into the vocational process as it is experienced in Vietnam.
" I recognise God's will for myself through the
intercession of the Virgin Mary. I came here because I want to
work for God and I realise God is calling me. At Mass, on 21st
May 2003, I received a 'letter from Mary', and she asked me: why do you
look for happiness in human things? Why don't you look for it in
God? That letter made me think very much. Now I can tell
you - I will dare to do any work if God wants me to do it. I
would like to follow Jesus, through St. John Bosco, to bring God's love
to others. I was born in a Salesian parish, so I have had a
chance of contact with Salesian priests and Brothers. Their
living and working for youth attracted me so much. I recognise
this way of life agrees with my ideals, being in close relationship
with the young, serving and helping others, especially the poor.
I also like playing football very much! Before coming here I was
an aspirant. I came to the Salesian House every Sunday, meeting
some Salesian Fathers and Brothers."
"I'm very happy in community because this is a good
way to do something with others. I have time to meet Jesus in the
chapel. I learn to play music, football, basketball and all the
skills to attract young people. I recognise that the superiors
are gentle and generous in helping us prenovices. I also see that
members of the community love one another, so the environment is good
for growing in personality. At the same time there are unhappy
moments because of conflicts on common life, or misunderstanding from a
superior, or from difficulty in studying English. Sometimes I'm
really happy just because I've settled in Don Bosco's family. I
feel free, really free and comfortable before Jesus in the Eucharist,
to whom I can tell everything in the depths of my heart, talk to him as
a friend, father, good guide".
VOCABULARY
spring chicken: almost always a term used
with a negative (no spring chicken), and means not a very young person.
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