By Br. John Phuoc SDB

 

Da Lat City, Vietnam, 24 May 2020 -- The academic year 2019 – 2020 ended with the closing ceremony on the solemnity of the Ascension. Besides the brothers of the Salesian Congregation there are also brothers from other congregations and from Long Xuyen diocese who join our post-novitiate for their philosophical formation and also to study and experience Salesianity.

 

It was more special for the brothers of third year because they have graduated and received their diploma after they had given much effort to study over the past three years. There was the presence of Fr. Joseph Phuoc, the EAO Regional, the superiors of different congregations, the Salesians, religious, parents and relatives of the third year brothers. There was also the special presence of the Bishop of Long Xuyen diocese, Bishop Joseph Tran Van Toan who sends some seminarians of Long Xuyen diocese to our post-novitiate every year to stay there and receive three-year formation program like the Salesian brothers. He presided at the mass of graduation and laid his hands on the graduating brothers’ heads as a blessing. The bishop of Long Xuyen diocese offered some words to everyone, particularly to the third year brothers, “Today is not the last day of formation for the third year brothers,” he said, “but it opens to you a new formative year, to lead you to become holy religious and good shepherds.”

We pray for the graduating brothers, especially for the brothers of our Congregation who have just finished their post-novitiate that they may begin their new step of practical training in their Salesian life joyfully and meaningfully, and that they may apply what they have studied and experienced to their new stage of life with Salesians in communities and with young people where they will be assigned.

 

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