By Dan Nguyen

Nghia Lam, Lam Dong, 14 June 2025 -- In the joyful atmosphere of the Holy Year 2025 and the spirit of the Salesian family, the Salesian St John Bosco Province organized a Meeting for Pastoral Councils of the parishes and missions overseen by the Congregation in the Lam Dong region. The event took place at Nghia Lam Parish on 14 June 2025, gathering nearly 150 participants, including priests, brothers, and representatives of the PCs from 7 communities.

The Meeting was held at Nghia Lam Parish, one of the dynamic communities of the Province in Lam Dong, to provide an opportunity for the PCs of parishes/missions to meet, share pastoral experiences, strengthen unity, and collectively review and plan future activities, especially in the context of the Holy Year 2025.

Attending the meeting were the Provincial Superior, Father Barnaba Le An Phong, SDB, Father Giuse Duc Dung – Delegate for Formation, the Delegate for Youth Ministry, along with the priests currently serving the parishes and missions in the region. Representatives from the PCs of Don Bosco Da Lat Mission, K'Ren Parish, Dinh An Mission, K'Long Parish, Bac Hoi Parish, Lien Khuong Parish, and Nghia Lam Parish were present. The meeting gathered nearly 150 attendees, including the clergy and PC representatives.

Opening the program, Brother Ha Anh presented the significant meaning of the gathering, emphasizing the spirit of family and the necessity of connection among the Salesian communities in the region. Brother Ha Anh also introduced the participants, creating a warm and formal atmosphere. Following the opening, the Provincial Superior, Father Barnaba Le An Phong, SDB, delivered a heartfelt sharing on "Anchored in Hope" – the Strenna for 2025. He invited everyone to renew Don Bosco's dream within their own communities, while affirming that the Holy Year is a precious opportunity for all to strengthen and enliven their Faith.

After a break, Father Giuse Duc Dung, Delegate for Formation, continued by sharing on "The Salesian Parish," focusing on two main points: the necessity of the Parish in the Congregation's mission and the significance of Parishes being entrusted to the Salesian Congregation. The Provincial and the Delegate for Youth Ministry added many insightful perspectives on the responsibilities and roles of the Parish Priest in relation to the Diocese, as well as the roles of the Directors and Community Leaders present at the parishes and missions.

The group discussion session provided an opportunity for PC members to reflect together on two questions: "What activities were carried out in the first 6 months of the Holy Year?" and "What development directions will the parish/mission have in the remaining months of the Holy Year?" Following the discussion, groups reconvened to share their outcomes broadly with the other groups, reporting on their discussions and agreed-upon points.

Concluding the general sharing session, everyone proceeded to the church to attend the solemn concelebrated Mass. The Provincial Superior, Father Barnaba Le An Phong, SDB, was the main celebrant, concelebrating with the participating priests and the entire community, praying for the mission of the Congregation and for the parishes/missions in the region.

To conclude the Pastoral Council meeting, everyone shared a warm family meal together. The farewell meal also included a lucky draw program, bringing joy and laughter to everyone. Even more significantly, the Parish Priest of Bac Hoi Parish accepted the responsibility of hosting the Pastoral Council Meeting for the Lam Dong Region in 2026, promising another meaningful gathering at the Bac Hoi community.

The program concluded at 1:45 pm on the same day. The Meeting was a great success, opening up new directions and further strengthening the pastoral activities in this highland area during the Holy Year and in the years to come.

---

---