By Phuc Hoa, SDB

Ba Thon, Vietnam, 25 December 2016 -- To add more joy on Christmas Day, the community of Sacred Heart of Ba Thon, also the Novitiate, organized a funfair for children with the theme: “Christmas for Everyone,” starting at 9am, Sunday 25th December, 2016.

Children eagerly flocked to the compound of the community early in the morning. The day was begun with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 7:30am. Then, at 9am, Fr. Nguyen Dinh Phuc, Rector, offered prayers and officially declared the opening of the funfair.

There were 40 booths, serving around one thousand children. The participants were children of Don Bosco parish, neighboring parishes, ethnic minority children under Sisters of Saint Paul Lai Thieu and children of other religions. Thanks to the service and dedication of 140 organizers and volunteers – consisting of novices, catechists, Catholic Mothers, members of St. Joseph Association, members of Sacred Heart Choir and Youth Choir – the children had a wonderful day filled with joy.

The Funfair ended at noontime. In spite of tiredness, the organizers and volunteers were glad to see “sparking joy” in the faces of children. The children were contented going home with food and gifts in the hands. They joyfully waved their hands at novices and volunteers as a sign of gratitude.

When the children had left, the organizers and volunteers took lunch together – with exiting “lucky drawing.” Laughters were felt when volunteers gained winning numbers and received gifts. The family spirit and the Joy of Christmas filled up the compound of Don Bosco Ba Thon.

---

---