Tam Ha (Vietnam). From 27 to 29 December 2024, the young formandees of Mary Help of Christians Province (VTN) – the pre-aspirants and aspirants of the FMA communities of Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City, of Xuan Hoa and Duc Huy, of Dong Nai province and the postulants – met at the Provincial House of Tam Ha for the traditional formation camp on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.
The camp began with an introduction by the Provincial Vicar, Sister Maria Do Thi Tuyet Nhung who explained to the participants the objectives of the meeting, namely to form, to awaken love and a sense of belonging to the Institute, and to consolidate sisterhood.
During the opening ceremony, the Provincial, Sister Maria Hoang Thi Thu Ha, gave her good morning, inviting the young women to live the Holy Year by changing their way of thinking, lifestyle, and especially listening to the voice of God, to walk in His plan of Love.
After her discourse, she introduced the Camp Leader and the Deputy Camp Leader, and handed over the symbols to the teams to start their journey. The Camp Leader then illustrated the theme, logo, symbol, and team of the Traditional Camp 2025. The first day ended in a spirit of prayer, to draw from God hope for one’s own life and to bring hope to others, also through the performances of participants from the various communities.
The following day, the Mass in honor of the innocent Holy Martyrs was presided by Fr. Francis Xavier Vu The Toan, a Jesuit. The girls then participated in the competition for the construction of the tents and later they met in the auditorium to listen to a report on the theme, “Pilgrims in hope” presented by the Jesuit Father.
It was followed by a great game organized as a pilgrimage in the desert to the holy land of the ancient Israelites. The teams went through several stands with trials to experience the fragility, weakness, and infidelity of human life, fidelity and love of God. After dinner, they lived the evening with the bonfire.
On 29 December, the feast of the Holy Family, dioceses around the world celebrated the opening of the Jubilee Year. In this spirit, the celebrant also invited the assembly to look at the example of the Holy Family to transform the community family into a holy family where God is present and leads everyone to the Kingdom of Heaven.
After the Mass, the young women participated in the Game Show on the theme, “Light and the journey in search of the light of hope”, organized with the aim of knowing the Jubilee Bull, the life of the Salesian Saints, and the FMA missionary expeditions. Everyone participated with joy, enthusiasm, and creativity.
Before the conclusion of the camp, Sister Teresa Uong Thi Doan Trang, Provincial Councilor for Formation, wished the participants to live daily experiences with the key words: Holy Hope, Pilgrimage, Unity, Harmony, so that they may live a joyful pilgrimage in the vocational experience.
Subsequently, the young women expressed their gratitude to the Provincial, the Province Council, and the FMA of the Organizing Committee. There was also the departure ceremony, to express the willingness and courage to undertake the pilgrimage of hope.
In the atmosphere of the new year 2025, the participants also put on shows to wish everyone a happy new year. The young women expressed their gratitude for the formative opportunity and graces received in these short but intense days:
“This camp is like a pilgrimage, not only through the history of Israel, but also through the weaknesses and unfaithfulness to the faithful love of God. Every stop has reached me deeply and I cherish every experience. I hope that all this will help me to live my vocation more fully, with gratitude towards God and towards every person who passes through my life.” (Teresa, Postulant)
“It is the first time I have participated in the traditional Provincial camp. I felt very happy and satisfied. I have learned much about the Holy Year and the spirit of the Institute. I have seen the enthusiasm and passion of the Sisters and the care of the Provincial and the Council, whom I would like to thank. I wish the Sisters peace, health, and wisdom to continue the journey of bringing God to others. May God and Our Lady always accompany them.” (Anna)
Photos: Flickr VTN
