By Trung Hoan, SDB

Ben Cat, Vietnam, 19 May 2018 -- Every year, in May, when flamboyant blooms signifying the coming of summer vacation, Don Bosco Ben Cat Youth Center wraps up its activities. It is also an occasion of thanksgiving to God for all the blessings. Don Bosco Ben Cat Youth Center has become a second home for young people, particularly poor youth in the locality, who frequent the center for recreation and educational activities.

Last Saturday, May 19, 2018, Don Bosco Ben Cat Youth Center held its closing ceremony for members of oratory and classes for needy children. The aim of this gathering was to conclude the youth center activities of the year 2017 - 2018. It highlighted the animating presence of Salesians, teachers and cooperators; it also invited beneficiaries to participate in the Salesian mission in serving their peers.

At 7am, several young people together with their parents and guests gathered in the compound of the community. They were warmly welcomed by Salesians.

At 8am, the event was initiated with the opening speech of Fr. Joseph Nguyen Duc Tam, SDB, vice rector. Present at the feast were Fr. Nicolas Kieu Long Ho, SDB, administrator; Fr. Joseph Phan Trung Hoan, SDB, the In-Charge of Oratory and classes for needy children; Fr. Vincent Vu Ngoc Dong, SDB, Director of Caritas Vietnam. Guests and participants were amused with musical items and dance from different groups. Then Fr. Joseph Phan Trung Hoan gave reports on activities of the oratory and classes of needy children for the year 2017 - 2018. He also shared with those who were present about the plan of the youth center for the year 2018-2019. In the family spirit, Fr. Joseph Nguyen Duc Tam, SDB, vice rector, mentioned challenges in serving children of migrants in the neighborhood.

Awards were distributed to students with excellent performance as encouragement. Plaques were presented to volunteers, teachers and seminarians as tokens of appreciation for their commitment in serving the youth. Fr. Hoan also took this opportunity to thank benefactors for their generosity and unwavering support.

At the end of the gathering, participants posed for picture taking. On behalf of the Salesian community, Fr. Joseph Hoan invited the youth to come and participate in the summer camp and activities.

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