Thai Binh, Vietnam, 26 February 2017 -- Two days of Thai Binh diocesan Youth Day in Thai Binh Pastoral Center in the compound of the Cathedral (February 25-26) was an excellent occasion for the first ever official visit of the Successor of Don Bosco in the Northern Part of Vietnam. Exactly 65 years ago the sons of Don Bosco arrived to Hanoi to take over one orphanage in 1952. At present there is one Salesian Bishop - Mons. Peter De, ordinary of Thai Binh diocese since 2009) 19 Salesian Priest and 3 Salesian Brothers working in 10 presences in the North.
The Thai Binh (100km distance from the capital of Hanoi) Youth Day was focused on the Vietnam Bishop's Conference theme of 2017 'The Family' as well on the Strenna of the Rector Major for 2017 'We are a Family'. About 4000 youth and youth ministry leaders (religious and priests) attended the rich event made of workshop, youth festival with song, dances, Bible drama (Wedding in Cana), talks and dialogue (VIE provincial Fr. Joseph Quang and Fr. Angel F. Artime - the Rector Major), Eucharistic adoration and Reconciliation (available 50 priests) in the evening. The whole event was concluded with the Sunday Eucharist open by the procession of Don Bosco Statue and followed by a great meal for all 4000 participants (500 tables) served by the 140 seminarians of Thai Binh diocese.
In two lively interactions with the Rector Major the young people of Thai Binh and Salesian Youth coming from all North Vietnam presences (SDB, FMA, VDB, Salesian Cooperators and Youngsters) the main theme was a strong invitation to discover the dream of God about each one of them - either for marriage, for consecrated life, missionary commitment or priestly vocation. The successor of Don Bosco challenge all to grow in generosity and self-giving for the good and bright future of their country and the whole Catholic community.
Very youthful, dynamic environment had a deep impact on the Rector Major, who appreciated their maturity to be excited in joyful celebration and then be deeply involved in the deep silence in front the Eucharist - Jesus living amongst us. The whole large compound of Thai Binh diocesan center - cathedral, football field open to the public and large pastoral center (all 4000 participants were accomodate there) was a wonderful venue to share the spirit and education of Don Bosco. Thanks to the hard work and long term vision of Bishop Peter De, SDB - this diocese is sharing a gift of Don Bosco through the presence of the Salesian Family and Preventive system of Don Bosco shared in the parish communities and families.
Thanks to the pastoral charity of our Saint Friend and Teacher of the Youth! Let's witness with our lives Jesus Good Shepherd with the young generation! Thai Binh diocese is extended with 108 parishes and 160.000 Catholics within the mostly rural population of 3.2 millions of mostly non Christian brothers and sisters, blessed with many vocations and missionary spirit!
Thai Binh is the last stop-over of the 10th successor of Don Bosco in Vietnam. Before his departure for South Asia Team Visit in Chennai, India Fr. Angel will still meet the Salesian Family and Salesian confreres of Northern Vietnam region.
