Tam Ha (Vietnam). From 3 to 5 August 2018, at the Provincial House of Mary Help of Christians in Tam Ha (VTN), 20 novices made their first profession in the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, 61 FMA renewed their religious vows, 15 FMA celebrated their Perpetual Profession, and 3 FMA the 25th anniversary of religious profession.
“For me to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21) and “Lord, I come to do your will” (Ps 39: 8) are the conviction and commitment of the professed.
The First Profession was celebrated on August 4, presided over by Fr. Giovanni Nguyen Van Ty, a Salesian ex-provincial, who invited the newly professed to follow Jesus through chastity, poverty and obedience. He said: “Chastity makes us more able to love, poverty makes us freer to go on our mission with audacity, obedience makes us more available for the will of the Father”.
On August 5, Bishop Joseph Do Manh Hung, Bishop of Saigon, presided over the Mass of Perpetual Profession and the 25th anniversary of religious profession. In his homily, Bishop Giuseppe, shared: “Vocation is a gift, a choice, and also a mystery of God. God’s love and covenant for his people is a wonderful experience for 15 sisters who make their Perpetual Profession and 3 sisters who celebrate the 25th anniversary of their profession. A covenant is preceded by God and commits to faithfulness. This journey does not lack weaknesses and imperfections, but it is full of God’s love and graces. It is a joyful experience of consecrated life”.
The three sisters who celebrated their 25th anniversary of religious life received the lighted lamp as a symbol of the passion and love that nourish their daily commitment.
The love and graces of God strengthen the fidelity of the sisters who have pronounced and renewed their ‘Yes’ to the Lord, and Mary Help of Christians accompanies them in their mission among the young people.
