Da Lat, Vietnam – March 2025 – More than 1,200 young people from the parishes of Duc Trong, Da Lat, and Don Duong participated in the Lenten retreat at the Don Bosco K'Long Center. This is the first time that the Youth Ministry of the Salesian Province of Vietnam (VIE) has organized such an event, with the special participation of Bishop Dominic Nguyen Van Manh of the Diocese of Da Lat.

The program took place on the afternoon of Saturday, March 15, under the theme "Witnesses of Hope – Missionaries of Life." The main activities included sharing sessions, confessions, Mass, and moments of reflection.

Fr. Joseph Nguyen Kim Khanh, VIE Vice Provincial, inaugurated the event by welcoming the participants. Following this, Fr. Bartolomeo Pham Tran Thai delivered a deep and insightful talk on the theme, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful and practical relationships.

Bishop Dominic Nguyen Van Manh presided over the Mass, using his homily to help young people better understand the glory of Jesus and the significance of living a life of sacrifice and embracing the cross. He also shared Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2025, highlighting that "Hope does not disappoint."

After dinner, the young participants enjoyed a special Lenten performance featuring hymns performed by the band God Sends Me and other singers. The event concluded with the traditional "Salesian Good Night" message from Fr. Peter Nguyen Viet Quang, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, who encouraged the young people to live as witnesses of hope and missionaries of life.

Article by: Huu Phuoc
Photos by: Manh Thi