By FMA VTN

Tam Ha, Vietnam, 30 April 2025 -- The World Feast of Gratitude of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is an annual celebration that the tradition of the Institute offers, in an atmosphere of prayer and joy, through which the Sisters express their gratitude and filial love to the Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, the center of communion of the Institute. This year, the Jubilee Year 2025, the Mother General and her Council have chosen Mary Help Province in Vietnam (VTN) as the place to celebrate the World Feast of Gratitude.

1. Vespers I

On the evening of Friday, April 25, 2025, Sr. Maria Assunta – the Visiting Councilor, the Provincial and the Provincial Councils of the CIAO Interprovincial Conference, the sisters Mary Help Province (VTN) gathered at the chapel of the provincial house in Tam Ha in order to offer prayers of gratitude to God and especially prayed for Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, the 11th Mother General of the Institute.

The sisters expressed their deep thanks to God for the presence of Mother General in Vietnam and their heartfelt gratitude toward her. In close communion with Christ, she has devoted her entire life to serve God’s loving plan for the Institute.

This was also a special moment of unity across the entire Institute, inviting the sisters to return to their original spirit, strengthen their connection to the charism of the Founders, and journey together in enriching and generating life among young people.

Representing more than 10,000 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians worldwide, the sisters offered the Lord vibrant bouquets. The five colors of flowers symbolized the beauty of unity in diversity among the FMA across five continents. The uniqueness and variety of each flower is a hymn of praise to the Creator, who has performed and continues to accomplish countless marvels in the history of the Institute.

This evening prayer was also a special moment of familial spirit, a sign of love and loyalty among the sisters toward the Institute, and an expression of gratitude for the precious gift of each sister’s contribution. The sisters also remembered all members of the Salesian Family, parents, relatives, former students, collaborators, and all those who have supported them in their vocation and mission.

2. Religious Performance: "Light up the Gospel of Hope"

At 7:00 PM, Mother General Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Maria Assunta – the Visiting Councilor, the Provincial and the Provincial Councils of the CIAO Interprovincial Conference, FMA sisters, priests, the religious, the Salesian Family, and parishioners in Tam Ha attended the Religious Performance themed "Light up the Gospel of Hope."

With a masterful blend of sound, light, and body language, the performance ignited the joy of proclaiming the Gospel in Christian life, especially within the FMA Institute. It highlighted the search for the meaning of life of young people, symbols of hope throughout history, and Christ as the source of hope. The event also invited all to become signs of hope in the world, journeying in the Holy Year with unwavering faith.

Everyday rhythms – Dreams and Challenges

Young people look ahead with great expectations: a peaceful day, a joyful and creative spirit, a life filled with happiness.

Yet, the relentless flow of life often sweeps them into its cold and indifferent current. Dreams are burdened by the pressures of daily survival, aspirations suffocated by harsh realities. They walk forward with heavy steps, unsure of their destination.

Hope flickers like a fragile flame, struggling against the strong winds of doubt and fear.

The realities of the world

Humanity exists in a paradoxical world—unprecedented progress, yet suffering that never ceases to expand.

Prayer

Even in moments of confusion amid destruction, uncertainty, and the pain of poverty, even when faced with life’s challenges and dead ends, young people still strive to rise above and seek answers about the meaning of life. They continue searching for strength to hold onto hope and dream of a better future for humanity and the world!

Signs of Hope

Throughout the history of the world and the Church, many individuals have been witnesses of hope, radiating light to the world:

Saint Francis of Assisi – A saint who deeply cherished and protected nature and all of creation.

Saint Dominic Pire – The first Catholic recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1958. A Dominican priest devoted to aiding European refugees after the war.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta – The spiritual mother of the poor in India.

Blessed Carlo Acutis – A young man of the 21st century who used media to spread the love of Christ and devotion to the Eucharist.

Blessed Maria Troncatti – A Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, a prophet of love among the indigenous Shuar people.

Like "Pilgrims of Hope"

Drawing from the source of hope – Christ, the FMA sisters journey into the Holy Year with dedicated efforts in the mission field and educational work.

"It is time to rekindle the fire! FMAs worldwide renew their missionary zeal."

Prayer for the Late Pope Francis

In a profound and silent moment, with hearts filled with gratitude, the community turned to God, the merciful Father, to pray for late Pope Francis, the beloved spiritual leader who devoted his entire life to serving God and the Church.

Goodnight talk

Mother Chiara expressed her thanksgiving along with the community and heartfelt appreciation to all participants, including those in formation, whose contributions made this praying performance deeply meaningful. The theme, "Light up the Gospel of Hope," chosen by FMA Vietnam for this year's Gratitude Celebration, resonated with the hearts of provinces worldwide.

Mother shared, "We find hope in Jesus Christ, in Mary, in our Institute’s Founders, and in the wise guidance of our beloved Pope Francis. He deeply heard the cries of the world. As he inaugurated the Holy Year of Hope, he showed us the hope we truly need. We thank him for leading us, and now, from heaven, he continues to watch over us. He taught us to live with joy and hope."

She then invited the community to give thanks to God for His countless blessings and to appreciate one another for their contributions in life and mission.

Mother also reflected on the significance of the Gratitude Celebration: For the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, this day holds immense value and deep meaning. It traces its origins to the youth of Valdocco, who first expressed their gratitude to Don Bosco. For Don Bosco, instilling gratitude was a vital element of education.

Before concluding her evening message, Mother said: "The Gratitude Celebration is also an occasion for me to express my gratitude to the sisters and all members of our educational communities. Tonight, each of us has received flames radiating light, let us pass this light on to those around us."

Before closing, the event’s host extended their thanks to the scriptwriter and director, the working team, FMA sisters, those in formation from this and other religious institutes, members of the Salesian family, and all who contributed to making the performance a deeply touching and meaningful experience.

3. World Feast of Gratitude 2025

On the morning of April 26, 2025, representatives of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) and the Mary Help Province (VTN) solemnly celebrated the World Feast of Gratitude 2025 with the theme: "Light up the Gospel of Hope".

The ceremony was attended by Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De SDB, former Bishop of Thai Binh Diocese, Bishop Dominic Hoang Minh Tien of Hung Hoa Diocese, Father Barnaba Le An Phong, the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco Vietnam, priests, the provincial, FMA sisters from other provinces, the religious, representatives of the Salesian Family, Catholic associations from inside and outside Tam Ha parish, benefactors, relatives, and guests.

This day also marked the global funeral Mass for the late Pope Francis. In the opening moments of the celebration, the community paused in deep reflection to honor and give thanks for Pope Francis, praying that God, rich in mercy, would welcome his soul into the eternal joy of the Resurrection.

The atmosphere of the event became even more vibrant as Sr. Maria Hoàng Thị Thu Ha, the Provincial of VTN officially opened celebration:

"For the children of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, the Feast of Gratitude is a precious tradition, a sacred moment of family spirit, a living sign of communion and fidelity to the Institute. With the theme 'Light up the Gospel of Hope,' FMA wish to journey with the Church into the Holy Year of Hope. In this sacred atmosphere, approaching the 150th anniversary of our first missionary expedition, we cherish the words of St. Mazzarello: 'Now is the time to rekindle the flame', the flame of missionary zeal, the flame of gratitude to God, and the flame of appreciation for our beloved Mother General Chiara Cazzuola, who is present among us."

As the resounding beat of drums echoed through the gathering, it marked a significant moment, officially leading the community into a day filled with joy and gratitude.

Then, Father Barnaba Le An Phong, the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco Vietnam, representing the Salesian Family, gave warm greetings to the Mother General:

"We joyfully welcome and deeply appreciate Mother's precious presence among us. At this moment, we sincerely express our gratitude for the invaluable gift of Mother's vitality, which enriches every FMA sister and all Salesian pastoral communities across the world. Let us celebrate this day with a spirit of thanksgiving, joy, and hope, in response to Mother’s invitation in Circular Letter 1046: This is a time of grace—to renew ourselves and continue journeying in joy and hope."

The Celebration consisted of two parts: The "Songs of Gratitude" and the Eucharistic Thanksgiving Mass

The Songs of Gratitude was a heartfelt expression of appreciation, bridging the past, present, and future. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians strive to be living stones of gratitude, walking forward in today’s era with abundant hope, remaining faithful to their charism and fully dedicating themselves to God’s glory.

This spirit of gratitude is carried in daily life by the FMA in 98 countries, manifested in the environments where they work and serve. These are the signs of hope directed toward the Mother General with deep gratitude. Together with Mary, all FMA sisters join today in praising God through the Magnificat, celebrating the many wonders He has accomplished throughout the Institute’s history.

Through dances, songs, poetry, and symbolic imagery, the sisters and young participants vividly depicted the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam's three regions.

• The North is represented by green bamboo hedges, a symbol of silent perseverance, unwavering strength, and steadfast commitment to the mission, where the FMA tirelessly serves young people.
• The Central is depicted through small yet resilient basket boats braving the waves, illustrating endurance, diligence, and deep human connections. Here, the sisters remain steadfast, courageously overcoming challenges to accompany and support young people.
• The South is reflected in gentle rivers and fertile soil, embodying the warmth, closeness, and generosity of its people. In their mission, the FMA sisters do not work alone but journey alongside members of the Salesian Family. This synodal approach is not merely a working method but a way of life, defining the Salesian Family through unity, shared responsibility, and dedication to the common mission.

Today’s Gratitude Celebration holds an exceptional meaning, commemorating the 50th anniversary of vows of the Mother General. On behalf of the FMA sisters in Vietnam and worldwide, Sr. Maria Hoang Thi Thu Ha - the Provincial of VTN, expressed heartfelt sentiments and blessings to Mother General, praying for a consecrated life woven with love and generous dedication to God, bringing goodness to countless souls, especially young people.

In this cherished moment, the Provincials, representing FMA Provinces, offered their gifts to Mother General.

Overwhelmed by the love and affection of everyone, Mother General responded with heartfelt gratitude, saying:

"This year's Gratitude Celebration is truly special, as it is held during the Holy Year and in preparation for the canonization of a sister from our Institute. For us, this is a time to express our appreciation and to encourage one another to courageously walk the path of holiness. Through the intercession of Don Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, may we also share the passion for education and generously devote our lives to young people."

With the hymn "Oh, Qual Sorte," the FMA sisters expressed their commitment to fidelity in living the Constitution, dedicating themselves fully to apostolic work, following the example of St. Mary Mazzarello, ensuring that the charismatic spirit continues to flow abundantly across generations and regions. This beautiful song marked the closing of the Cantata of Gratitude.

Afterward, the community joined in offering the Eucharistic Thanksgiving Mass, presided by Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De, SDB

During the homily, Bishop Dominic shared:

"This celebration reminds us that every event and every need in life is an opportunity to express gratitude. From the very foundation of family life, we are taught our first lesson: to say 'thank you.' In the Gospel story, only one of the ten lepers who were healed returned to give thanks and glorify God. When we practice gratitude, we recognize that we are loved. Gratitude is a memory that helps us overcome hardships and allows us to live more joyfully."

Following the Mass, Sr. Maria Do Thi Tuyet Nhung, the Vice Provincial, spoke on behalf of all FMA sisters, expressing profound gratitude to the bishops, priests, the religious, benefactors, sisters' parents and the entire community.

She conveyed her deep appreciation for everyone’s presence, affection, and invaluable contributions, recognizing that their collective efforts made this celebration profoundly sacred, solemn, and meaningful. This spirit of unity serves as a driving force for the FMA sisters to remain faithful to their mission of service and education for young people, in the charism of Don Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.

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