We responded to our Holy Father, Pope Francis’ passionate invitation to intentionally pray on World Vocation Day, “You are called to seed the Hope and to plant the Peace.” On the Sunday of Good Shepherd in Viet Nam, many Dioceses designated a Youth Gathering for Vocation Day (YGVD).
It was the first time for our ASC community in Sai Gon to participate in the Youth Gathering for Vocation Day at the Pastoral Center of Phu Cuong Diocese in Binh Duong Province of South Viet Nam near the Sai Gon Archdiocese. There were many Congregations, with both nationally and internationally historical backgrounds, present at the event. About 2000 youth from seven deaneries in the Phu Cuong Diocese joyfully participated in the YGVD. For us as the ASC community’s commitment, we were excited and energized when we registered to be a part of the YGVD. With teamwork effort, we designed how to decorate our ASC booth to display our ASC Foundress, Saint Maria De Mattias, to introduce our Adorers of the Blood of Christ Congregation and to promote the ASC vocation. We went the day before to get to our place and to begin doing the decoration and display. On the same weekend, with excitement, our ASC Sisters in Thai Binh community also shared the ASC spirit to participate in their Vocation Day at the Thai Binh diocese of North Viet Nam. Even though we live geographically far apart in the North and South of Viet Nam, we were in one heart and one mind praying and promoting vocations for the church as well as for the ASC’s.
The energy of the YGVD connected national and international congregations between the laity and men and women religious. The power of Christ’s energy has bridged us with youth participants. We ASCs talked to our youth about our ASC Charism, Spirituality, and Mission when they stopped to satisfy their curiosity. We were confidently proud of our ASC Roots and Legacy that have depth and continue to permeate strength and motivate us to mission.
The ASC booth attracted many youth participants interested with their curiosity. We ASCs received them with friendliness and hospitality. Receiving them, they felt at ease to also to engage with us in fun conversations. Also, we offered them a small gift, a bookmark with St. Maria De Mattias’ image to accompany them or a St. Maria De Mattias key chain to be a memory, and a sticker as a marker that they had visited the ASC booth.
Their sincere hearts shared their dreams and hopes of when they will complete their schooling. Also, some of them had questions about the vocation of religious life. It was an honor for us as ASCs to listen to their questions and wonders, especially the girls. As we recall the Youth Gathering for Vocation Day, it was an exceptional group of teenagers. They joined with their brothers and sisters to experience the activities at the Youth Gathering for Vocation Day.
The ASC Viet Nam Mission is new to many men and women Congregations. We were also attracted to their interest as well. For us as the ASCs, it was a helpful opportunity to know other congregations, to connect with their missions, and to exchange information in terms of ministries in Viet Nam. For us, it was to simply listen to other religious men and women who came to share their stories with us. We listened with all our hearts and minds to the ministries of the Youth Gathering for Vocation Day.
Bishop Joseph, the Shepherd of Phu Cuong Diocese, closed the Youth Gathering for Vocation Day with the breaking bread prayer and a ritual of missioning. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has empowered his followers to go and serve those people who have lived on the periphery. We too are on the periphery. We ASCs encountered a meaningful day; we worked as a team; we shared our joy; and we are mindfully aware of the ASC mission in Viet Nam at this time when the world seems fragile and vulnerable.
Translator: Hang Pham, ASC
