Interview with Joseph Le Van Nhan

By Our Own Correspondent

HCM City, Vietnam, 4 October 2019 -- My name is Joseph Le Van Nhan, I am 28 years old. I come from Viet Nam - Mongolia (VIE) Province). The Rector Major sent me on 29 September to Great Britain (GBR) Province.

What attracted you to Don Bosco and the Salesian vocation?

I came to a Salesian house in 2009. The first impression when I come to a Salesian house is all the aspriants those I didn’t know before. Then, I met a Salesian priest who was the first priest I was able to share everything with in peace and encouragement. And I followed this vocation with joyful commitment until now. After about 10 years with the Salesian charism I was attracted by the way of Salesian Holiness. There is spirit of the Risen Lord Jesus, a strong family spirit, brotherhood and joyful daily life.

Why did you embrace the missionary vocation?

It’ sa hard question but an interesting one. “My desire is to depart and be with Christ…” Philippians 1: 23 I can answer that it is God's call. I heard this Call 4 or 5 years ago when I was still a novice and I have always been anxious for this. I believe that God wants me to “go out of myself” and become a missionary, to preach the Gospel to the people in mission place according to the Salesian charism. So when I fullfill this God’s Will, I will stay in God in happiness and peace for ever. That is the life of the saints. When I decided and wrote my missionary application letter, I felt very happy and joyful. These are the fruits of the Spirit! That is the work of Holy Spirit.

Can you share the fruits of the new missionary course in Rom-Piedmont last September?

After 33 days in Italy for the new missionary course, my deepest impression was of the Holiness of Church and Salesian Holiness. I heard many times about Holiness, but this is the first time I have touched it! During last month on the pilgrimage with other new missionaries in many holy places, I was able to touch the deep reality of the first Catholic Christians who gave their life for Jesus. We met many holy and simple Salesians, and were touched by their humble life style. We met many holy people. They are lively witnesses for the holy Salesian way of life. I had a good chance to pray for many hours with the community and also spent time in personal prayer. Finally, after touching holiness, I would like to become one of them thanks to Holy Spirit!

Your dream, hope and heart before arrival in England – Project Europe?

I prayed the Rosary every day for the place and people of my mission land where I will be sent. In Great Britain, I would like to be present with Salesians among the young people with my joyful, happy and youthuful Salesian spirit. I would like to awaken Don Bosco’s charism among young people, so that they may also become saints.

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