4704(I)_Liturgy of life amidst the poor young people

Bro. Joseph Luan Van Tam, SDB rest in peace!

By Fr. Pietro Tuan, SDB
Provincial Secretary VIE

Ky Anh, Vietnam, 19 April 2018 -- The Province of St. John Bosco of Vietnam-Mongolia informs that Salesian Brother Joseph LUONG VAN TAM, SDB has passed away to the house of the Father on April 19 at 12:40 PM at Ky Anh Vocational Training Center.

Br. Joseph has been exemplary religious. His diligence and dedication to the mission among the poor youth people in the recently established Ha Thinh (Central Vietnam) VTC has been excellent.

He was born on June 5, 1955. His aspirantate took place from 1980-1984 at a small community. There he learned the first lessons of Salesian spirituality and pedagogy. He joined the novitiate and made the first profession on January 24, 1986. After many hardships he joined the Congregation with perpetual vows on January 16, 1992. Then he spent some years for specialization. He did his service in various communities with the VTC like Ben Cat, Vinh Long and Phuoc Loc.

From 2007 to 2018, he lived at the service of the poor youth in Ky Anh at Salesian Vocational Training Center. After some days for rest in his family due to his illness, he returned to his community and at 12:40 PM, he left for his heavenly home.

His generous self-gift and zeal has had many impacts on poor students. He has lived with joy and happiness among the Salesians. Though ill and weak, he has always been exemplary in community prayer life. He has come first and showed ready to worship God. His good example in attending the liturgy has lighted up the chapel. Rooted in the relationship to Jesus, he has convinced that his presence among the youths may be compared to another kind of liturgy: liturgy of life. Therefore, he has been faithful and joyful to be there in the midst of his students. Only does God knows how many sacrifices and physical sufferings he has endured to fulfill his assistance.

The Province today has lost an exemplary Salesian Brother. It, however, has gained much more blessings with his intercession in the presence of God. The Provincial community of Vietnam - Mongolia is very grateful for his life witness and assure the prayer for his eternal rest and happiness.

Bro. Joseph Luan Van Tam, SDB:

• Born in Dong Nai (Vietnam) on 5 June 1955
• Novitiate in Ba Thon & Xuan Hiep & Ben Cat (HCMC) 1984-1986
• First profession in Xuan Hiep (HCMC) on 24 January 1986
• Studied Philosophy in Dalat & Duc Huy 1986-1988
• Practical training in Ben Cat & Hien Duc 1988-1991
• Perpetual profession on 16.0 in Xuan Hiep (HCMC)
• Speciflic Formation in 1991-1995 in Xuan Hiep (HCMC)
• Lived and worked in different communities with Vocation Training Centers
• Ben Cat (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Vinh Long
• Phuoc Loc
• Ky Anh (Central-North Vietnam, Ha Thinh)
• Passed away in Ky Anh Community on 19 April 2018

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