VIETNAM

Scholastic Bao Cong, OMI

“Go and Do” (Lk 10,37) was the theme of the second Oblate Youth Day of the Vietnam Mission (VOYD). It was a two-day event held at Mazenod scolasticate by the Vietnamese Oblates on 7th and 8th of December, 2019. VOYD took place during the celebration of the feast of Mary Immaculate, patron of the Oblates. VOYD was been initiated by Fr. Emmanuel Tran Quang Khuong, Vietnamese Mission Superior, in 2018.

For two days, around 350 young people, who came from different areas, cultures and religions of the whole of Vietnam, took part. They were gathered and called to spend these days with one another and with God according to the Oblates’ spirituality. Together, they learned how to listen and how to live out the Gospel through different outdoor activities, camping, and the Sacraments.

Even though December is a special period for Vietnamese students, a time for examinations, the number of participants in VOYD was great. These young Oblates had so much fun, motivation and encouragement as well. Furthermore, the presence of the foreign Oblate priest, the Fr. Rozairo Bradly J., Superior of the Delegation of JAPAN – KOREA, made the Oblates’ spirituality became unbounded and united during this event.

“Go and Do” was the main subject of the second VOYD. It was drawn from the parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10,25-37). Through it, Vietnamese Oblates tried to direct the young participants to be examples of mercy, as Jesus was. In fact, nowadays the Vietnamese Church needs people who can give the witness of mercy. It really lacks “good Samaritans”. And the Vietnamese Oblates shared this worry with the local churches during Oblate youth day.

The VOYD finally wound up in joy and hope, but it was only the thin end of the wedge for Vietnamese Oblates. Actually, the VOYD is not only a meeting – place of youths but also a learning occasion for young Oblates. And Vietnamese Oblates are trying to recommend their own spiritualties to native people through their constant efforts.