By Viet SocCom

Xuan Hiep, Vietnam, 4 February 2024 -- In the last days of the Year of the Cat, people from all over the country are eagerly preparing to return home to welcome the new spring. Immersed in a cultural atmosphere imbued with national traditions, members of the Don Bosco Vietnam Salesian Family also gathered together at Don Bosco Xuan Hiep Community, Thu Duc, to share family love on February 2, 2024.

At 8:30 a.m., Father Provincial Barnabas Le An Phong explained the Strenna 2024 with the theme "The Dream makes us dream.", accompanied by illustrative examples based on the real-life of the Salesian family. Through that, Father Provincial helped everyone better understand the authenticity of Don Bosco, of the dream he passed on to posterity, and better understand the continuing dreams of Rector Major for each member of the Salesian family.

Everyone once again received knowledge about Strenna through the musical scene "Paradise's Dream" performed by the Nicolas Cooperator Center. Next came the Strenna learning session, which was prepared and led by the Mazzarello Cooperator Center in a lively, joyful, and meaningful way.

The program was followed by lion dance – performances, bringing a joyful atmosphere filled with TÊT flavors and feelings of gratitude.

After a few minutes of break, at 11:00, the mass celebrating Don Bosco was celebrated in a solemn, sacred, and fervent atmosphere. The celebrant was Father Joseph Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, Councillor for the EAO region.

In the homily, with the experience gained from visiting provinces in the EAO region, Father Joseph presented a picture full of optimism and positivity that the Salesian Family brings around the world, especially in lands full of challenges and difficulties. There, Don Bosco's dream has been, is, and will continue to be written and realized to turn 'wolves' into gentle 'sheep.'

Before the mass ended, Brother Martino Bui Van Luan, who was in charge of the Salesian family, gave a thank-you note to the superiors and everyone in the family.

After that, the fun-filled day continued with family festivities at Don Bosco Xuan Hiep Hall.

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