Fr. Phuoc's first stop was the Sunday School, where he had a friendly and happy exchange with the kids. He then joined Father Denis Kong, the Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians Parish to celebrate the Sunday Mass. While he might not be able to comprehend Cantonese, his active participation and address to us before the end of Mass had virtually broken all barriers of communication. He joined Father Denis Kong to bless our children after mass.
Fr Phuoc met members of the Parish Council afterward. A roundtable discussion was held on the role of Salesians in the parish. Members have voiced that the lack of a Salesian priest and vocation has jeopardized the development of the Parish. While the lack of clergymen is universal, Father Phuoc pointed out that lay people could take an active role as Salesian Cooperators to help Salesians to accomplish their jobs. The parish council learned that Father Phuoc had just passed his birthday on 2nd November. We had prepared a birthday cake for the celebration after the seminar.
We had a “Dim Sum” lunch gathering after the seminar and had a good time. Participants were impressed by the friendliness of Father Phuoc.
Shortly after lunch, Father Phuoc started his second session: to meet members of local Salesian families. Father Mathew Chan chaired the discussion. We had heard the presentation from Cooperators, FMA sisters, Alumni Association, and ADMA. The meeting was concluded after Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction by Father Mathew Chan.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice” (Phil 4:4). This is a vivid description of Father Phuoc, full of happiness and hope.
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