By Fr. Huy Chuong, SDB

Vinh Hiep, Vietnam, July 21 - The inter-parishes summer camp was held at Don Bosco Vinh Hiep community with 300 children and young people from 5 parishes nearby.

The camping day began with the Eucharist celebration presided by the Dean of the area. In the homily, he recalled the Jewish camping festival in the old time presided by Moses, during the pilgrimage to the promised land. The camping day of this day had the same meaning. He said : “Dear children and the young, you have also to be ready on the way to our promised land like the Jewish. We have to face difficulties and temptations, but our destination is paradise. That is our promised land and also it is the big reward that we are longing for.”

During the camping day, it rained heavily, but we felt that it was the sign of God’s grace. The rain occurred during the mass, but it stopped before the mass ending. So, the weather became easily cool and it was very good for holding activities. Our Salesians held big games for the young boys and girls. All of them felt tired with dusty clothes, but full of smiles and joy.

After the lunch, we held the quiz programme called “Holy bell ringing”. The competition was very attractive with many rewards.

In the evening, the Salesians held big games. All boys and girls had to pass difficult stations. The games were humorous but meaningful and full of joy. After the supper, everybody participated the ceremony of lighting the camping fire with dances and songs. The atmostphere was so warm and lively. At the end, there was the “ceremony of mission”. All participants held a light candle in the hand and expressed the strong resolution of readiness to be on the way. They wanted to proclaim that they would be always ready to go to anyplace God sent them with the light of faith inside. It is a meaningful ceremony.

The camping day closed with joy. The games and the activities passed, but there were still an unpassable thing. It was the joy in God and the joy they shared for one another.

The camping day lighted the fire in the heart of all. Surely everybody experienced the love of God and knew to share this love to others.