By SC Vietnam

Xuan Hiep, Vietnam, 11 September 2023 -- Don Bosco Theology Academy (Xuan Hiep, Thu Duc) held its Opening Ceremony for the New School Year 2023-2024 on 4 September 2023. Attending the Ceremony were Fr. Provincial, Barnabas Le An Phong, Councillor for Formation Fr. Joseph Do Duc Dung, Fr. Joseph Nguyen Van Am, the Dean of the Academy, Fr. Secretary Joseph Nguyen Ngoc Vinh, the Professors, The Superiors of Congregations and whole students of four classes of the Specific Theology and 2 classes of Laity Theology.

The opening Ceremony began at 7:45 a.m. At the opening, Fr. Provincial Barnabas Le An Phong addressed students in the new school year. Then, Fr. Secretary Joseph Nguyen Ngoc Vinh introduced a couple of features about the Academy. In this new school year, the facilities of the Academy were repaired and renovated to provide for the needs of the students. The Academy has 70 students of the Specific Theology who come from 17 different Congregations and 70 students of the Laity Theology.

Philip Rinaldi Theology Academy– Don Bosco Viet Nam, was founded officially in the school year 1994-1995. After working with the authorities of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome and with the approval of the Holy See, the Don Bosco Academy was officially affiliated with the Pontifical Salesian University on 27 September 2010.

At the end of the address, the Dean of the Academy, Fr. Joseph Nguyen Van Am recommended Don Bosco the seminarian to students as a model of the students. He invited the students to imitate Don Bosco in using their precious time to obtain knowledge and deepen their faith, cultivating their ability in serving the Church in the best way; he desired whole professors and students to consider the Academy as a roof, a family and to cultivate this educational environment in Don Bosco’s spirit; at the same time, it is his hope that the students will learn to further their love for God and the Church. He then declared the opening of the school year 2023-2024.

At 8:30 a.m., the Holy Mass was celebrated with the Provincial as the main celebrant. The many concelebrants included the professors and the Superiors of the Congregations. Fr Provincial asked all to join in asking the grace of the Holy Spirit for each one, and the fear of God. Professors made the solemn profession of faith.

Following the mass, everyone together enjoyed the snacks, and a moment of fraternity, and then departed for their respective houses.

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