By Augustine DoPhuc, SDB

       Da Lat City, Vietnam, 24 December 2021 -- After seven months of suspending meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic, on the afternoon of 16 December the Mary Help Of Christians Cooperator Center had a meeting and activity. The meeting saw the presence of Father Toma Vu Kim Long - Rector of Don Rua Academy, Da Lat, Father Joseph Do Duc Dung – Formation Councillor and the Center's Members.

       During the Mass, the celebrant, Father Toma, prayed for the Cooperators who are always enthusiastic in their vocation as Salesian Cooperators despite the complicated developments of the Covid epidemic.

       After Mass, those present had an exchange and sharing session. Mr. Peter Le Thanh Bao, Center Coordinator, reported on the Center's activities. Currently, the Center has 37 active Cooperators, and 7 candidates. Cooperators are accompanying with 3 works: School for poor children, Student Dormitory and Aspirant Dormitory. The Coordinator wishes to have the Rector as the SDB Commissioner for the Center. At the same time, he also expects the Cooperators to contribute to the Community's upcoming programs and activities.

       Father Thomas said there were plans to organize many playgrounds for young people in Da Lat city. He hopes the Cooperators will work together to educate and bring many benefits to young people.

       Next, Mr. Le Huu Phuoc shared some information regarding the Vietnam Association of Salesian Cooperators at Province level, and about the planned organization of Vietnam's Salesian Family Day in two forms: in person and online, and also activities of the Provincial Youth Ministry Department for young people during and after the pandemic. Specifically, there are online prayer meetings on Saturday evenings, topics to help young people improve their lives in terms of faith and humanity.

       After that, they were pleased to welcome Father Joseph Do Duc Dung. Father Joseph shared thoughts on the Salesian spirit. According to him, the quality of a Salesian must be expressed whether as a religious or as a cooperator. At the same time, he shared about Synodality - communion and action, solidarity and responsibility in the practice of the Salesian mission and vocation.

       At the end of the activity, the Cooperators had a snack and shared the work during the days of separation because of the Covid-19 epidemic.

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