By Augustine DoPhuc SDB

       DB Cau Bong HCM; DB Tan Cang Vietnam, 8 May 2022 -- On 6 May 2022, the Don Bosco Cau Bong community, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Tan Cang community, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, held a solemn Mass to celebrate Saint Dominic Savio, the patron saint of the Community.

       Attending the Mass, in addition to members of the Community, were also Salesians from neighboring communities in Saigon, Sisters, Collaborators, and some guests. The Cau Bong Mass was celebrated by Father Joseph Doan Hai Dang - Rector of the Community. At Tan Cang the celebrant and homilist was Father Francis Xavier Nguyen Minh Thieu, Rector of Tan Cang Community.

       In the homily on the Gospel passage "the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves", Father Joseph Tran Hoa Hung reminded the liturgical community that, in life, people care about too many things, but the most important thing they forgot is 'Becoming a saint'. Therefore, the celebration of the feast of Saint Dominic Savio is an occasion for the community to remember that sacred wish. And on their own, no one can become holy; a person needs to pray to Jesus to share in His holiness. However, just praying is not enough. We also need to contribute all we have to God, like the boy in the story of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, and then wait for the outpouring of grace from Him.

       Both Fr Joseph and Fr Francis Xavier highlighted the example of Savio, also a young boy who gave everything to God with the motto 'doing duty with joy'. All of Savio's life intentions were aimed at making himself pure and saving the souls of his friends. “Dominican Savio's path to holiness must also be the path that every Christian must walk,” concluded Fr. Joseph.

       Before the end of the Mass, Fr. Joseph Hai Dang thanked the Salesians, Sisters and the Community for their love in attending the Mass to congratulate the Community.

       After Mass, the Community continued to share the joy in the family meal, with musical performances by the Pre-novices and guests.

       Everyone left both celerbations in the joy received on the holy day. At Tan Cang, after Mass, everyone shared the joy in a family meal at the Community's multi-purpose home.

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