Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 19 October 2021 -- On Saturday morning, 16 October 2021, the Savio Cau Bong Community held an opening ceremony for the two batches of pre-postulants and pre-novices for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The number of the pre-postulants this year is 20. However, because of the epidemic, five of them could not come to join the opening ceremony. The number of the pre-novices is 14.
Attending the opening ceremony were Father Barnabas Le An Phong, SDB, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Vietnam, members of the Provincial council, Salesians from communities in Ho Chi Minh city and representatives of the Pastoral Council of Don Bosco Tan Thinh parish. Due to the epidemic situation, the parents of the pre-postulants and pre-novices and their families as well as other guests could not attend.
During his homily, Fr. Barnaba gave the 29 young people present some ideas for reflection. He told them to put all their plans and calculations in the light of faith in order for God to inspire and enlighten them; that they had to live as witnesses and prepare themselves well to be able to answer the questions that today’s society especially young people were posing. He reminded them that it was important for each of them to ask themselves the question: “What does God want me to do here?” And if they could answer this question, their life at Cau Bong community would be happy and peaceful.
May all the pre-postulants and pre-novices remember the teachings of Father Provincial and practice diligently, so that they can spend their time at the Savio Cau Bong community in a meaningful, happy and peaceful way, and be convinced of the vocation which God has given each of them.
