Phase 1: Inspiring the Northern Delegation (Jan 23 – 26)
Starting his journey in the North, Fr. William spent time listening to the lives of 61 confreres ministering across 9 dioceses.
- At the Salesian Family Day (Jan 24): Amidst the full gathering of the Salesian Family, he shared a profound “Good Night” message: “Become humble servants following the examples of Mary and Saint Don Bosco.” He dedicated 90 minutes to addressing the challenges facing Vietnamese youth, encouraging everyone to remain steadfast in their educational mission.
- In Private Meetings: He sowed seeds of hope regarding the elevation of the Delegation to a Vice-Province, stating: “The establishment of the Northern Salesian Vice-Province could become a reality within this year.” He also reminded the confreres of the importance of missionary discernment and fraternal charity in supporting those in difficulty.
Phase 2: The Central Highlands – A Journey of Listening (Jan 27 – 28)
- In Da Lat (Jan 27): Upon arriving in the “City of Eternal Spring,” he immediately visited the Don Bosco Philosophical Institute. In the spirit of the Good Shepherd, he chose to directly listen, observe, and understand the daily lives of the confreres and students, prioritizing fraternal presence over administrative procedures.
Phase 3: The South – Presence Among the Young (Jan 28 – 31)
- At Cau Bong Pre-Novitiate (Jan 28): Welcomed by the joyful sounds of trumpets, he touched the hearts of the pre-novices by recalling the three virtues from the Dream at Nine Years Old: “Humble, Strong, and Energetic.” Living out the Salesian style of “being in the midst of the young,” he shared stories and a fraternal meal without any distance.
- At Ben Cat Community & Andre Maisen Vocational School (Jan 29): He provided a “pastoral compass” for all activities: “Always place the young—especially the poor and those in difficult situations—at the center of all your activities and plans.” At the workshops, he personally approached the students with encouraging gestures, motivating them to build their future with industrious hands.
- At Phuoc Loc Community (Jan 30): With a simple and approachable manner, despite language barriers, he inspired the boarding students to strive in their studies, human formation, and living Gospel values. His friendly conversations during lunch became unforgettable memories for the confreres here.
- At Thien Binh Home (Jan 30): During the inauguration of the new residence for boys, he emphasized the Salesian mission of being present for vulnerable youth and invited the community to walk alongside the Congregation in the educational journey.
Phase 4: Feast of Saint John Bosco and Conclusion (Jan 31)
- At Tam Hai Parish (Jan 31 morning): During the Patronal Feast of the Province and the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Fr. John Baptist Tran Van Hao, Fr. William exhorted the congregation: “Look to the example of Saint Don Bosco to live a spirit of optimism, love, and commitment.”
- At Ba Thon Parish (Jan 31 afternoon): He joined the parish community in the joy of the Feast Day, further strengthening the family spirit through a fraternal meal.
Conclusion: On the evening of January 31, 2026, the Regional Councillor departed Vietnam to begin his visit to Japan. His visit left a lasting mark of love, providence, and a renewed fire of zeal for all Salesian confreres and the young people of Vietnam.
By SC VietNam
