The Salesian Province of Saint John Bosco in Vietnam opened a yearlong jubilee on October 3 marking 75 years of Salesian presence and service in the Southeast Asian country.
The opening Mass was celebrated at the Don Bosco Xuan Hiep community compound in Thu Duc, part of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city. Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang of Ho Chi Minh City presided over the Mass, attended by about 100 priests and more than 1,000 faithful from different walks of life.
Participants included Salesian priests and religious from various communities, parents, benefactors, collaborators and young people.
The Jubilee Year, running from October 2026 to October 2027, commemorates the Salesians’ arrival in Vietnam in 1952 and their continuing mission, particularly among poor and abandoned youth. It carries the theme, “With the Youth in Gratitude and Hope.”
The opening celebrations began with a musical prayer vigil titled A Symphony of Grace, which presented the history of the Salesian mission in Vietnam through artistic performances. Religious, Salesian cooperators and young people joined the gathering, reflecting on 75 years of ministry and giving thanks for generations who contributed to the mission.
During the Mass, portraits of St. John Bosco were presented to the parents of Salesian religious as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made by families who supported their sons in their vocation and mission.
In his homily, Archbishop Nguyen expressed gratitude for the Salesians’ contribution to the Church in Vietnam over the past 75 years. He highlighted their work of bringing the Gospel closer to poor and abandoned young people through the spirit and spirituality of St. John Bosco.
He encouraged the Salesian community to remain faithful to its mission and called for continued prayers for the congregation.
Fr. Barnaba Le An Phong, provincial superior of the Salesians in Vietnam, thanked God for the blessings received through previous generations of Salesians and expressed gratitude to bishops, priests, religious, parents, benefactors, collaborators and others who have supported the province.
He described the jubilee as an opportunity to “look to the past with gratitude, live the present with passion, and look toward the future with steadfast hope,” following the example of St. John Bosco.
Since their arrival in Vietnam in 1952, the Salesians have developed ministries focused on the education, formation and accompaniment of young people. Their work forms part of the congregation’s wider mission across Asia, particularly in education, vocational formation, youth ministry and outreach to disadvantaged communities.
The jubilee will continue until October 2027 with activities and celebrations across the Salesian Province. The province has also announced opportunities for Catholics to receive plenary indulgences during the jubilee according to the conditions established by the Church.
The celebrations seek not only to commemorate the Salesians’ 75-year history in Vietnam but also to renew their commitment to young people and the congregation’s mission for the future
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