By EAO Missionary Animation Team

My name is Bro. Joseph Nguyen Quang Thanh. I was born in Nghe An, diocesi di Vinh, Vietnam. I am 36 years old. My family consists of my parents and my two other siblings. Before joining the Salesians I obtained my degree in Engineering. I made my novitiate in Ba Thon where I made my first profession in 2017 as a Salesian Brother.

Fr Attilio Stra and Fr Germain Lagger, both missionaries in Vietnam before 1975, were my inspirations. After being expelled Fr Stra went to Haiti and worked for street children. I was so touched when saw him cry with tears of love saying: “Vietnam is my second homeland”. A missionary who loves his mission land so much is a powerful inspiration to me. Fr Lagger came to Vietnam when I was in the post-novitiate in Da Lat. I was so touched by a speech he gave which was full of love. He also sang a song in Vietnamese for Mary.

Actually, I belong to the 151st missionary expedition in 2020. I was sent to Japan. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I was unable to attend the formation course for new missionaries, so this year I joined the members of the 155th missionary expedition.

Japan is a well-developed country and rich in culture and tradition. Entering its culture is not an easy task. Every missionary needs to accept with humility that one becomes a child again in the new country and culture. After some years I have learnt the Japanese language, though I need to study more to have a good command of it. But I think it will take some time for me to adjust to the Japanese rhythm of life and culture.

I am happy to be able to join the ‘Corso Germoglio’. My experience in Japan made the input and sharing even more meaningful and relevant to me. The visit to the places connected with Don Bosco with spiritual preparation helped me to grow in my love and appreciation of Don Bosco and his charism. Now I feel strengthened being a missionary in Japan.

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