By EAO Mission Animation Team

EAO, 06 October 2024 -- During the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition last September 29, 2024, our EAO region has sent 6 missionaries. Here are the first two from the Province of Vietnam sent to Chile.

I am cleric Francis Trong Hữu ĐỖ. I am 29 years old. I come from a family with 5 children. Before joining the pre-novitiate I finished Mechanical Engineering at Cao Thang University.

My missionary vocation was planted by my grandmother and later by my Parish priest from whom I heard a lot of stories about missionaries. As a Salesian, I had the opportunity to talk to a missionary from China who told me about the work of the Salesians there. I really admire what they do. Through that, I discovered God's will for me, especially the call to be a missionary. Thus, during my final year of the post-novitiate, I decided to write to the Rector Major my missionary application.

I am very happy to receive my destination to Chile. Surely, I was initially afraid because, besides the fact that I am not perfect, I still have many limitations. But I believe God will help me to get through it. To the young Salesians of EAO who feel attracted to the missionary vocation, I would like to borrow the words of Jesus to the apostles: Do not be afraid!

I am cleric Joseph Tuấn Anh VŨ, I am the youngest of four children. My father is a carpenter, and my mother is a housewife. Before becoming a Salesian I finished my studies in information technology at Ho Chi Minh University, Vietnam.

During my pre-novitiate, some missionaries who work in foreign countries returned to Vietnam for vacation and shared their experiences with us. They encountered many difficulties and challenges, but they were always optimistic, joyful, and dedicated to their vocation. Inspired by this, I continued to discern my missionary vocation through prayer and by visiting mission places in Vietnam. Finally, during the final year of my post-novitiate formation, I presented my missionary application to the Rector Major.

I happily accepted when I was informed that I would be sent to Chile as a missionary. Now I dream of sharing the Gospel in Chile, especially with poor and abandoned youth. However, my immediate goal now is to immerse myself in the study of the Spanish language and understand Chilean culture and local customs.

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