Fr. Ángel Fernandez Artime first met the Salesian Family members in the Hall for a short talk and open forum organized by the Salesian Cooperators. In his short address, he 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 Centre 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 a wish was expressed for ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians) to be started.
Then followed the Eucharistic celebration attended by more than 900 people. In his homily, Fr. Ángel invited all to be grateful for the gift of Salesian vocation to the Church in Vietnam and invited them to pray for the 120 SDB and FMA Vietnamese missionaries ad gentes witnessing the love of Jesus in all five continents. At the end, he 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 with the Gospel spirit like Don Bosco: “The deep Joy of Jesus’ disciples should be our first witness to the world!”
Previously, on Tuesday, February 21, from 14:00 to 16:00 the Rector Major had a fraternal meeting with the Salesians in the south of Vietnam. He encouraged each confrere in the province to have always in himself a fire of zeal and deep consecrated life so that he can devote his whole life to the service of poor and abandoned youth. Besides, the Rector Major shared about the beauty and vitality of the congregation and also the works the Vietnam province are performing in the Church and in the world.
Moreover Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime met with 2,100 young people from 23 different Salesian settings in the South of Vietnam, at the headquarter of the Salesians in Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City. The theme of the gathering echoed the Strenna 2017: “We are a family!” In his message to the youth, the Rector Major began by introducing to them Salesian Saints, whose statues are placed around the compound of Xuan Hiep community, as models of our holiness. He also pointed out challenges and obstacles which may hinder them from obtaining holiness.
Right after the talk of the Rector Major was the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Joseph Nguyen Van Quang, the Provincial; the Mass was concelebrated by around 70 Salesian priests.
Today, February 23, 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.
