By VIE SocCom

Xuan Hiep, HCM, Vietnam, 24 March 2025 -- On the afternoon of 22 March 2025, at Xuan Hiep Parish, the Youth Ministry of the Salesian Don Bosco Province organized a Lenten Retreat program for over 700 young people from the Saigon and Dong Nai areas. This was the second event in March, following the first one held at the Don Bosco K'Long Community, Dalat Diocese.

With the theme "Witnesses of Hope - Missionaries of Life," the program aimed to help young people encounter God during Lent, while strengthening their faith and nurturing hope in life.

Event and Activities

Present at the event were Father Joseph Nguyen Kim Khanh, SDB, Vice Provincial, along with priests, Salesian religious, male and female religious, collaborators, and young people. The program consisted of three main parts: Retreat, Mass, and Prayer Night.

The opening session began at 3:00 PM with lively activities such as games, dances, and cheers. Following that, Father Bartolomeo Phan Tran Thai, SDB, shared the topic "Witnesses of Hope." Based on the Gospel passage from Matthew (5:13-16), he emphasized the value of each individual and encouraged young people to live meaningfully, making the most of their youth to strengthen their faith, love, and spirit of service.

The young people were also guided in reflection and confession by Father Peter Nguyen Viet Quang Minh, SDB, to encounter God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Mass and Prayer Night

At 6:00 PM, the Mass was celebrated by Vice-Provincial Father Joseph Nguyen Kim Khanh, along with the concelebration of Salesian priests. Father Joseph Vu Trong Tai, Rector of the Rinaldi Theological Community, shared a homily on the significance of encountering God, emphasizing that only God can fulfill the longing and bring true happiness to each person's soul.

The program concluded with the Prayer Night starting at 8:00 PM, where young people immersed themselves in a sacred atmosphere with hymns performed by the "Chúa Sai Đi" band. The profound melodies and heartfelt sharing left a strong impression on everyone present.

Conclusion of the Program

A heartfelt thank you was extended by Father Peter Nguyen Viet Quang Minh on behalf of the Province to all participants and contributors who made the Lenten Retreat a success. The program closed with the song "Để Con Nên Hình Bóng Ngài," symbolizing the mission to carry love and hope on life's journey.

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