Da Lat, 15 March 2025 - More than 1,200 young people from the parishes of Duc Trong, Da Lat, and Don Duong participated in the Lent Retreat at Don Bosco K’Long Center. This is the first time the Youth Ministry of the Salesian Don Bosco Vietnam has organized this event, with the special participation of Bishop Dominic Nguyen Van Manh, Bishop of Da Lat Diocese.
The program took place on Saturday afternoon, 15 March with the theme “Witnesses of Hope - Missionaries of Life.” The main activities included sharing sessions, confession, Mass, and a retreat with hymns.
A Joyful Start
From 2 p.m. the Don Bosco K’Long Center was bustling with the presence of young people. Father Joseph Nguyen Kim Khanh, Vice Provincial of the Don Bosco Order, inaugurated the program and welcomed the participants. Then, Father Bartholomew Pham Tran Thai gave a profound sharing on the theme “Witnesses of Hope - Missionaries of Life,” emphasizing the importance of building deep and practical relationships. After Father Bartholomew’s sharing, the young people had a moment of reflection to prepare their souls for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Mass and the Presence of Bishop Dominic
At 5:45 p.m., Bishop Dominic presided over the Sunday II Lent Mass. In his homily, the Bishop helped the young people understand more about Jesus' glory and the importance of living according to the path of sacrifice and the cross. He also shared Pope Francis’ Lent 2025 message, emphasizing that “Hope does not disappoint us.”
Gratitude and Appreciation
At the end of the Mass, a young representative expressed gratitude to Bishop Dominic and the Fathers and Brothers of the Don Bosco Order for organizing and accompanying the young people during the retreat day. The bishop's presence and teachings helped the young people repent, renew, and live in hope.
Lenten Performance
After dinner, the young people participated in the Lent performance, which included hymns performed by the band “God Sends Me” and other singers. The performance ended with evening teachings from Father Peter, Head of Youth Ministry for the Salesians, who advised the young people to practice “Think good—Speak good—Do good” when returning to their families, parishes, and communities.
The Lenten Retreat 2025 inspired and encouraged young people to live as witnesses of hope, becoming missionaries of life.
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