By SYM SocCom Team

K'Long, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam, 9 May 2025 -- On the morning of April 30, 2025, the Salesian Youth Ministry Committee successfully organized the Don Bosco Student Congress program at the Don Bosco K'long campus (Đức Trọng, Lâm Đồng). This biennial event gathered over 240 students from five Don Bosco residences across the country, under the inspiring theme: “Young People Living Hope”.

The Congress was attended by Fr Peter Nguyễn Việt Quang Minh – Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinator, the esteemed Fathers and Brothers in charge of the residences, along with a large number of students from the Don Bosco residences in Saigon (Bến Cát), Hóc Môn, Xuân Hiệp, Cần Thơ, and Đà Lạt.

The program kicked off at 7:30 AM with lively get-acquainted activities such as games, singing, dancing, and cheers, creating an open atmosphere that helped students from different residences easily connect, get to know each other, and integrate.

Next, Fr. Peter Nguyễn Việt Quang Minh gave a deep sharing based on the Word of God from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans (Romans 8:24-25). He posed the question, “How can we discover and find a point of support for hope?” and provided the answer through the message for the 62nd Vocation Day, titled “Gift of Life.” He invited the students to discover this gift with gratitude, recognizing that they are loved, called, and sent by God, and from there, to live hopefully in this Jubilee Year.

Following the program, the students were divided into 12 teams to participate in a large game. The series of challenges required synergy, a spirit of unity, and mutual support, creating a bustling and energetic atmosphere.

Lunchtime was for the fraternal meal, simple yet warm, providing an opportunity for bonding, sharing, and recharging energy through simple but emotionally evocative cultural performances.

Within the framework of the Congress, alongside lively activities such as the Jubilee Year knowledge contest and the creative painting competition, the Holy Mass served as the spiritual highlight and central point of the program. This was a precious moment for the students to gather and give thanks to God for His countless graces. In the homily, the celebrant emphasized the importance of spending time meeting God daily and invited the students to appreciate and express gratitude towards those who accompany them on their journey of growth and faith.

Concluding a meaningful day of the congress was the reflective Taizé prayer service. In the flickering candlelight and gentle hymns, each person's soul was calmed, contemplating God's accompaniment in everyday life through the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, so that hearts would again be set ablaze by His presence.

The congress concluded with a commitment from all participants to live a life full of faith, love, and hope. Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to the esteemed Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, and collaborators who provided enthusiastic support for the Congress to take place successfully. May God, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and Saint John Bosco, grant many blessings to everyone, preserve their joy, fervor, and continue living the spirit of Don Bosco in their daily lives.

See you again at the 2027 Congress.

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