Missionary camp 2017
HCM City, Vietnam, 1 January 2018 -- In order to create opportunities for the girls of vocational formation, pre-aspirants, aspirants, postulants and novices to meet, learn and share their lives together and to transfer the spirit of charism of the FMA Institute to the younger generations, the FMA (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) Sisters of Vietnam usually organize traditional camps for them at the provincial house inTam Ha around the first Day of New Solar Year.
This year, in communion around celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the first FMA Missionary Expendition, from December 29, 2017 to January 1, 2018, FMA Sisters conducted the Traditional Camp with the theme: 140 years - Meet and Go for Missionary, for the early stages of formation. The main team of organizers consists of Sr. Teresa Kim Lien – The Provincial Councillor of Formation and head of the camp, some perpetual profession sisters and almost all temporary professed Sisters. This year also marks the 25th Anniversary of this Traditional Camp.
In order to help the campers understand the meaning of these days, Sr. Maria Concetta , the Vice Provincial, shared with them some words in the Strenna 2018 of the Rector Major, the Circular Letter 975 and the letter of the Superior General on Christmas: "Make the experience of meetings with God’s love and fraternity so that we welcome one another, understand each other, and give confidence to the encounters that bring about the formation and transformation of life."
All the activities of the camp were focused on the evangelical spirit, which helped the participants understand and love the missionary life, live gratitude and follow the beautiful footprints of the first missionaries.
Some main activities of the camp
In the evening of December 29th
"Cultural Night" with special delicate, interesting and impressive performances of the features and richness of culture of countries where the FMA missionaries have come was done by the campers.
December 30th
Contest of Catechism: Summing up a year of study through the test, the sisters helped them synthesize the knowledge they had learned and apply them in their lives. Contest of putting up tents: the campers learn resourcefulness in practice. Games: to learn lessons of embracing and passing on the Gospel values. Camp fire: Sacred in the night, the campers did activities and implored the Light to remove the darkness of evil. At the end of the campfire, Sr. Rosa shared with them the profound messages: The presence of Sr. Maria Troncatti in the missionary land marked a new mission: Not doing much of the great work, but simply a presence brought peace and connection. Let's overcome the little things in order to work together for the glory of God.
December 31st
The organized game led the campers in the adventure so that they could draw the precious experience for the journey of formation. Then they listened to the sharings of Sr. Maria Hoang Yen about the evangelical history of VTN. After that they participated in exciting Gameshow to re-examine the knowledge they had learned. In the evening, they enjoy delicious supper together in the food fair. Besides the games, the intimacy with God, the missionary and fraternal spirit among the participants were also enhanced by celebrating the Holy Mass and Liturgy of hours together.
New Year's Eve: This New Year's Eve marked the 25th Anniversary of the Traditional Camp. Sr. Rosa - the Provincial and participants wished for love, unity and all the God's blessings on the Province and our Institute.
In the morning of January 1st
Happy New Year: the campers sent to Sr Rosa, Fr. Barnaba Phong SDB, the Superiors, and to one another New Year's greetings with creative, cute dances, poems and songs. Sr. Rosa and Fr. Barnabas also gave them messages for the New Year: Learn to delineate - Meet the Lord and each other - Go out to spread the Gospel’s values.
The days of the camp closed with so much fun, the participants received useful lessons, the opportunities to overcome themselves through the risky adventure; foster missionary spirit, love the Institute more; particularly love their vocation, move forward and be happy in every stage of formation.
Thank be to God for all these experiences. Also thanks go to Sr Rosa, the Superiors, the Sisters of Organizing team and the other sisters for preparing this camp with love, sacrifies and prayers.
