austraLasia

ALA_5455

(1995-2020)

Salesian Cooperator Province, Vietnam, 27 August 2020 -- In 2020, the Salesian Cooperators Association of Vietnam celebrates the 25th anniversary of establishment and development (1995-2020). On this occasion, we would like to introduce to AustraLasia readers the Vietnamese Salesian Cooperators history, vocation, spirituality, apostolic mission and centres.

How was the Salesian Cooperators Association established in Vietnam?

In the social context of Vietnam since January 22, 1995, Father Peter Nguyen Van De, SDB (now the diocesan bishop of Thai Binh) initiated the Salesian Cooperators Association. Initially, there were only 8 (eight) members, but after 25 years and up to the time of making the promise on October 8, 2017, the Association has 654 members on the list (297 men and 357 women), of whom about 450 are active now.

Living the Vocation of Salesian Cooperator

Each Salesian Cooperator is called to carry out his/her apostolate first through daily duties and responsibilities at home, being the first and foremost educator of their children according to Don Bosco's gentle pedagogy. Bosco education is a preventive educational system.

Each Salesian Cooperator is alive with the Salesian spirit, cares about young people wherever they live, especially those who are the poorest or have been exploited and suffered any kind of violence.

Although Vietnamese Salesian Cooperators are still young, they also try their best to fulfill their own vocation, to join together in teaching catechism classes; taking care of and giving scholarships to poor children to continue going to school; opening tailoring classes, visiting and supporting social works and orphans, disabled, street children, vulnerable children of ethnic minorities and collaborate with their parish priest in catechesis, join different Church associations.

Salesian Cooperators are not simply an Association, but they received a call from God (vocation) to live forever.

Salesian Cooperators are part of the great Salesian Family, with the same charism as the religious SDB and FMA. At the same time the Salesian Cooperators are nourished by receiving the sacraments diligently, especially the Eucharist; they love Mary in a special way and they try to live and practise the Word of God in their life.