By Viet SC

       Thu Duc, Viet Nam, May 1, 2023 -- The SDB and FMA novices held an exchange session at the Sacred Heart Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with the theme: The Yeast of Love.

       The purpose of the exchange was to build solidarity and communion in the great Salesian Family, especially between the SDB and FMA novitiate families, along with learning and sharing on the topic of 'The Yeast of Love' and to actualize the Leaven of Love in the spirit of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, called by the Church to walk in Unity.

       At 7:45 a.m, the exchange started with a meaningful greeting and sharing from the Provincial of the Sisters, Sr Mary Thu Ha. She emphasized synodality, family spirit and learning through this exchange.

       Next, at 8:30 a.m., Sister Mary Ngoc Yen shared a youthful and enthusiastic sharing on the topic: Raising Yeast for Love - Learn about the special yeasts, most of which are the characteristic of the Salesian Yeast with two inspirations, Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Her sharing ended with 5 questions given to 5 groups, very practical and very close to the current situation.

       This was followed by a Mass to celebrate Mother Mazzarello at 10:30 with the celebrant Father Peter Nguyen Doan Ngan, sdb and the sharing of the Word of God by the Novice Master, Fr Vicente Phi Hai. In his homily, he mentioned the wonderful qualities of Mother Mazzarello, and one of the ways in which they were nurtured in her was the Word of God and the Eucharist.

       Next came a family meal with many delicious and attractive dishes, adding energy to the day. After the meal, with the guidance of Sister Maria Ngoc Yen, FMA, brothers and sisters had a chance to visit the traditional house of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to have a brief look at the history of the spirit of the FMA congregation.

       The afternoon was a time for learning and exchange to solve the questions left by Sister Maria Ngoc Yen.

       Interspersed between the programs were lively, meaningful games that emphasized the theme of the Love Leaven, as well as promoting the spirit of synodality.

       The exchange ended with a quiet moment through Eucharistic Adoration.

       The program ended well, with many memories to be added to each person's diary. May God grant many vocations to the Novices and all those who collaborate in building a spirit of unity, as well as the courage to step forward for the "passion of souls" as Our Founders did.

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