VTN (FMA Province Vietnam), 8 August 2023 -- At 8.30 am, on August 4, 2023, at the provincial house in Tam Ha, the Mary Help Province in Vietnam celebrated the Holy Mass of the first profession of 15 sisters and Silver Jubilee of the religious profession of 7 sisters.
The main celebrant at the Mass was Bishop John Do Van Ngan, Xuan Loc Diocese, concelebrated by Father Barnabas Le An Phong, the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Vietnam and Mongolia, and nearly 40 priests.
Present at the Mass were also the religious, parents and relatives of candidates, benefactors and all guests.
With the pastor’s gentle heart and manner, in his homily, Bishop John invited the sisters and the participants to pay attention to becoming disciples of Jesus by listening to and understanding the teachings of Jesus, being in communion with Him in the Eucharist and being sent by Him.
After the homily, 15 candidates made their first profession.
“I love you, Lord, my strength” (Ps 17:2). This conviction is the dedication of the candidates who wish to respond to God's immense love in the vocation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Through their vows, they wanted to make their commitment to serve God, so that from now on, only He would be the strength, the motivation and the whole of their lives.
This was followed by a rite of renewal of vows of 7 sisters who celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the religious vows and after the Communion prayer, with joy and gratitude, they received burning lamps symbolizing enthusiasm and love will nurture their daily commitment.
Before the Mass ended, Sr. Maria Hoang Thi Thu Ha – the Provincial, representative of the Province and families of sisters expressed her deep gratitude to the Bishop, priests and the community. She also gave special thanks to her sisters’ parents who generously offered their daughters and daily sacrifices to God with the hope that their children would live a good and holy life.
Bishop John also had a couple of replies and reminded the community to nourish their lives through the Word of God and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and reminded the community to be aware that groups that spread the good news are not apostolic.
The Mass ended with joy and thanksgiving to God for the gift of consecration that God gave to the Institute, the Province and those chosen by Him.
