Over 300 Redemptorists from the Vietnam Province have participated in the recent annual retreats. There were two retreat sessions for priests and brothers currently engaged in ministry, held at the Bishop’s Residence of the Xuân Lộc Diocese (Long Khánh, Đồng Nai). The first session had 111 priests and brothers participating from August 13-16. The second session included 117 priests and brothers from August 20-23.
Fr. Vincent Pham Cao Quy, the Provincial Advisor, led both retreat sessions for priests and brothers in ministry with the theme “Let the Word of God Form and Guide: Responding to the Letters of Jesus.” Drawing from the content of the seven letters in the Book of Revelation, Fr. Vincent provided insights on love, fidelity, and the vocation of following Jesus the Redeemer to the priests and brothers.
The priests in the Provincial leadership and the brothers of St. Alphonsus Seminary—young religious in formation—held their retreat from August 12-16 at the Martin Pastoral Center, Biên Hòa, Đồng Nai (a centre belonging to the Dominican Friars). Fr. Joseph Đoàn Văn Bảo from the Redemptorist community in Vũng Tàu guided the brothers with the theme: “Orienting the Missionary Vocation of Redemptorists in the New Era.”
The retreat for senior priests and brothers took place from August 13th to 16th at the Home for the Senior Redemptorists (38 Kỳ Đồng, Saigon).
A retreat is a special time for Christians, especially those living religious lives. It is a time for them to step away from their usual ministry activities and dedicate their entire focus to uniting with God. During the retreat program, besides participating in Mass, listening to sermons, silent personal prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and reciting the Rosary, the Redemptorists also had time for repentance and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation to renew their life with God and their brothers.
According to the Rule of the Congregation, Redemptorists are required to have a day of retreat once a month and eight days of annual communal retreat. These eight days include four days of retreat with the entire Province and four days of retreat with local communities. Currently, the Vietnam Province of the Redemptorists has 385 members, including 268 priests, who live and serve in various communities from North to South.
Fr. Anthony Nam, CSsR.
Thái Hà Communications
