By Br. Pham hong Phuoc, SDB

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 30 November 2020 -- On the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, Salesian brother Andrew Pham Tat Hoi celebrated his patron saint and golden jubilee of religious profession. Fr Joseph Nguyen Van Quang, the provincial of the Vietnam Province presided at the holy mass at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Theologate community. Concelebrating with him were Fr Joseph Phuoc the EAO councillor and priests from different communities in Ho Chi Minh city and neighbourhood. There was also the special presence of around 20 Salesian brothers on this special day.

In his homily, Fr Barnaba Phong, the rector of the Theologate community, shared some reflections on the gospel of the day and the religious life of brother Andrew Hoi. He has been a good example of simplicity, optimism and faithfulness.

After the mass was the dinner in family spirit. Fr. Barnaba Phong on behaft of the community congratulated brother Andrew on his feastday and golden jubilee of religious profession. In his reply, brother Andrew said thanks to the community, to the Salesian province of Vietnam and to everyone. Together with everyone he sang a worship song to thank God for his Salesian vocation.

During dinner, the brothers of the theologate community performed some items acording to classes. There was a special congratulation to brother Andrew from the present Salesian brothers with words of affirmation and a song. 

Br. Andrew Hoi is a simple and hardworking person. He is very helpful and always ready to help others in repairing things such as electric stuff, watches, fans… Everyone often fondly calls him ‘grandpa’. This special occasion is really good for every Salesian especially the Salesian brothers to look back on their vocation journey. 50 years of religious profession of a person tells us many meaningful things: perseverance, faithfulness, love for God, for Don Bosco, for the Congregation, other confreres, and young people.

Dear ‘Grandpa’ Andrew Hoi, we hope that you will always live a simple and happy life in the grace of God until the last day of your life.

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