Vietnam celebrates
Salesian
Family Day and begins its 150th event
HO CHI MINH CITY: 23rd January 2009 -- Just as some 350
members of the
Salesian Family are gathered in Rome for what the Rector Major sees as
the most major re-launching of the Salesian Family as a 'vast movement
of people for the salvation of souls' since Don Bosco set out on that
path, news comes in from Vietnam province of their own important
efforts in this regard, their celebration of Salesian Family Day on
17th January, and their preparation for the 'year of grace' proclaimed
by the Rector Major - the 150th anniversary of the founding of the
Congregation.
The Salesian Cooperators were in charge, this year,
of organising
the Salesian Family Day for Vietnam which saw its own significant
numbers of participants: 200 SDBs, 40 FMA's, all DBV's (Don Bosco
Volunteers), 200 Salesian Cooperators..... and that is just from one
nation!
The event focused on the 150th in preparation for
Don Bosco's
bi-centenary of birth in 2015. This was examined through presentation
of the two General Chapters, the 26th of the Salesians and the 22nd of
the Salesian Sisters, held recently.
As an illustration of Salesian holiness, the novices
acted out Don Bosco's dream of the Ten Diamonds. The story of the pine
trees was choreographed into an outstanding dance routine by the
Salesian Sisters and their novices.
Salesian Bishop Peter De was the main celebrant at
the event which was the climax of the day - the celebration of the
Eucharist. He was joined by some 70 Salesian priests. Based on his
experience as provincial, as a theology professor in a non-Salesian
theologate, and now as bishop, Bishop De shared his deep reflections on
how to be a son/daughter of Don Bosco today in different states of life
and in various ministries.
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