The theological institute of Blessed Philip Rinaldi

By Fr Khanh Quoc, SDB

Xuan Hiep, Vietnam, 21 May 2016 -- The Theological Institute of Blessed Philip Rinaldi, in gratitude to the Lord, held the Graduation Ceremony for the Academic Year 2015-2016. This celebration is an occasion for all the students and professors to thank the Lord for all the blessings bestowed upon them throughout the year. The students of theology also took advantage of this occasion to show their gratitude to Father Provincial, Joseph Nguyen Van Quang, Superiors and Professors for their unfailing support.

Attending the ceremony were Father Provincial, Vice-Provincial, Joseph Nguyen Van Am, the Formators of the Theologate, Professors and 45 students of theology belonging to 4 batches.

At 8:30 am, Father Am, Vice-Provincial and Dean of the Theological Institute, led the prayers and officially started the ceremony. Then, Father Dominic Nguyen Quang Hien, SDB, Secretary of the Institute, read his report. He gave evaluation regarding academic affairs and other activities of the Institute. Father Dominic also mentioned about the plan of actions suggested for the coming year.

As Dean of the Theological Institute, Father Am thanked Father Provincial, Professors, particularly Father Rector of the Theologate and the Formators for their commitments in the formation of the brothers, not only in academic affairs, but also in human, spiritual and pastoral formation, through words and deeds. Father Am also congratulated the 4th year students on their successful comprehensive examination. He also announced the good news about the extension of the affiliation by the Salesian Pontifical University for another 5 years; with that, he encouraged the students to put more efforts in their studies and make progress in their vocation.

On behalf of all the students, Brother Hoang Xuan Huong, SDB, thanked all the professors and the participants. Bouquets of flowers were offered to the Superiors, formators and professors.

In his closing speech, Father Provincial thanked everyone and particularly congratulated the 4th year students on their graduation. He, recalling the words of the Rector Major, reminded the brothers that (1) they should avoid clerical careerism, which means running after material and authority for personal gain instead of serving others with humility; (2) that they should develop for themselves planning mentality; and that (3) they should have global vision: open themselves to the world in studies and in pastoral approach.

Then all the participants moved to the Chapel of the Theologate for the Mass, which was presided by Father Provincial. The celebration ended with a fraternal meal, in which several items, including a “home-made magic show”, were performed by the students and formators.

We continue accompanying the brothers in prayers, particularly the 10 third year students in their retreat for the deaconate ordination on June 4th and some fourth year students in their preparation for priestly ordination on July 2nd. May they always be faithful and zealous as shepherds of the Church!

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