By VIE SocCom

Cầu Bông, Vietnam, 6 January 2025 -- On January 1, 2025, the Dominic Savio Cầu Bông Community hosted a Spring Fair for children at the campus of the Community and Tân Thịnh Parish. The event attracted more than 1,000 children from various parishes and shelters, along with more than 250 Cooperators, including priests, religious brothers, sisters, laypeople, and collaborators who helped organize and run the activities.

The program began with the Eucharistic celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, presided over and preached by Fr. Barnaba Lê An Phong, the Provincial Superior. Following the Mass, Fr. Giuse Đoàn Hải Đăng, the Rector of the Dominic Savio Cầu Bông Community, extended his congratulations and officially opened the fair.

The children had the opportunity to experience vibrant and exciting game booths prepared by pre-novices, aspirants, and volunteers. The games were designed with biblical images and lessons in virtue, effectively imparting values to the participants. As they completed challenges at the booths, the children earned reward tickets, which they could use to shop at the fair’s supermarket and enjoy different tasty food at the food stalls.

This year’s fair featured the participation of five religious orders, each hosting a vocational booth. These included the Sisters of the Loving Mother, the Dominican Sisters of Gò Vấp, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus, and the Salesians of Don Bosco. The children had the chance to learn about the missions, spirituality, and entry requirements of these congregations. Additionally, the Catholic Design group made a special presence, offering creative and beautiful gifts to the children. After the fair, priests, brothers, sisters, and collaborators gathered for a light meal to express gratitude and share joy together.

The Dominic Savio Cầu Bông Community hopes this Spring Fair has left lasting memories for everyone. They pray that the spirit of St. John Bosco will continue to ignite the flame of vocations in each individual, under the motto: “Living and working for the young”. May Mary, Mother of God, intercede with the Lord to bless all priests, brothers, sisters, collaborators, catechists, and especially young people, granting them abundant grace in their service to God and others.

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