The Secretary of the Congregation for Consecrated Life, 

Archbishop Carballo visited FMA provincial house

By Sr. Anh Thi, FMA

Tam Ha, Vietnam, November 9, 2015 - Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Vietnam joyfully welcomed Archbishop José Rodríguez De Carballo, OFM, Secretary of the Congregation of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life the FMA Provincial House - Tam Ha, Saigon.

Early in the morning, the Institute’s ground was filled up with joy and smiles of hundreds of kindergarten and elementary school students who has been offered gratis education, aspirants, postulants, novices and sisters practicing songs for welcoming Archbishop Carballo, OFM. It also has the presence of Fr. Dominic Ha Huy Dung – Tam Ha’s parish priest, Superiors, representatives of religious Institutes of Thu Duc deanery.

At 8:10 am, hundreds of hearts burst into happiness when Archbishop Carballo arrived at Tam Ha. Students, formands and FMAs joyfully welcomed him and his companions with flowers, smiles, songs and greetings in different languages. Accompanying with him is Fr. Joseph Pham Thanh Liem, SJ, President of Association of Superiors, Fr. John Nguyen Van Ty, SDB, interpreter and representative of the Executive Board of Superiors Association. On behalf of sisters, Sr. Rosa Vu Thi Kim Lien, the Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help in Vietnam expressed in words her joyfulness and happiness for Archbishop’s visit as a blessing of God and special closeness of Holy Father Francis for FMAs in the Year of Consecrated Life. Right after that they all went to the chapel to offer God and Mary Help their thankfulness.

Then, Archbishop, his companions and FMAs was in Lina Hall to listen to Sr. Teresa Dao Nguyen Kim Duyen, representative of VTN Province, presenting life and mission of FMAs in Vietnam. All of sisters have acknowledged that in spite of ups and downs, Salesian charism has been sown and grown in beloved Vietnam thanks to provident protection of God and Mary Help, sacrifices of early FMA missionaries and tireless commitments of Vietnamese sisters.

Following the presentation of Sr. Teresa, Archbishop Carballo gave his fatherly words. He thanked sisters and students for their warm and joyful welcome and friendliness. He specially said to sisters: “I hope you to continue presenting among the young with Salesian charism with four following keys words: education, loyalty, hope and mercy. God has placed in hearts of young people abundant goodness so your educational mission is "pulling" out those things with belief so that they may affluently live their vocation of God’s children”. He continued: “Facing to challenges of time, you should be faithful with creativity and joy. Create so that you can face daily challenges. Be glad because you experience God’s love. Joy must be seen on your bright smiles. Young people have their right to ask you for your smiles. Not only young people but also the whole world needs your joy, hope and mercy. That's the sign, the power of God's love and the face of Christ.” Ending his sharing, he repeated with strong invitation: Be missionaries of joy, tenderness and loyalty to Salesian charism.

After that Sr. Rosa gave him sisters’ thank note for his fatherly presence in VTN Province which encouraged FMAs to continue living fully the joy of those who have been called and consecrated. Extending Sr. Rosa’s thank note is "La vera gioia" songs of FMAs.

The encounter was not too long but left in the heart of each person an invitation of continuing living joy as the call of Pope Francis: "Where religious people are, joy is there."

... True joy does not make your heart worn out.

True joy as a flame gives vitality to heart sank off.

True joy builds the world and brings light to dark places...

True joy is Christ's grace and salvation.

True joy is love given to one another in charity