By Augustine DoPhuc, SDB

       Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 18 November 2021 -- At 19:30, on November 15, at the chapel of Don Bosco community in Ben Cat (Go Vap, Saigon), a meeting took place between Father Barnabas Le An Phong SDB and students from the boarding houses of Don Bosco Ben Cat.

       Unlike the full participation of the previous year, this year due to the epidemic situation, only some students were present in person; students who are far away attended via Livestream on the boarding students’ Fanpage. Although only a few students were present, the meeting took place in a very friendly and close atmosphere.

       At the beginning of the sharing session, Father Provincial suggested that he would spend more time for students to present their wishes, as well as give suggestions on what they were not satisfied with when living in this environment. From there, he would discuss with the Salesian in charge to adjust the way of life to be more suitable.

       With that suggestion from Father Provincial, the students boldly shared their worries and feelings when living in a dormitory environment. After listening to the concerns of the students, Father Provincial gave instructions and noted four things to the young people. These points are not only applied when they are still living in the dormitory environment, but also as a guideline for them to step into life. Those four points are:

• Always keep in mind the identity of your vocation as a human vocation.
• Accept and respect each person’s differences.
• Improve yourself through activities.
• And finally, learn to listen and open your heart to others.

       The meeting closed at 8h30 PM. Hopefully, after a friendly meeting with Father Provincial, the boarding students can accept and learn from Father’s sincere and useful sharing. Thereby, the students are more and more perfect in terms of morality, skills and their own faith-nurturing journey.

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