Quezon City, Philippines. June 29th – the feast of Apostles Peter and Paul in the Catholic Church was a special day this year for the Claretians in Vietnam.
On this memorable day the first candidate from Vietnam Bro. Antony Vo Van Tung made his perpetual profession in the Philippine Province of the Claretian congregation. Bro. Antony joined our minor seminary in 2003 and had most of his studies in Philippines.
The special liturgy of the day was presided over by Fr. Gerald Kumar, CMF; concelebrated by Fr. Leo M. Dalmao, CMF, Provincial Superior, Fr. Victor F Sadaya, CMF Provincial Vicar, Fr. John Baptist Pham Van Hop the local Parish Priest, Fr. Quyen Anton, a Vietnamese Claretian from U.S.A., and two other local Claretian Priests. During the liturgy Fr. Leo, the Provincial Superior received the perpetual profession of Bro. Antony.
Many of his relatives and friends joined the celebration along with a few nuns, benefactors and friends.
We are happy that we have one more candidate from Vietnam (Bro. Thomas Kiem) to make his perpetual profession on July 16th this month. In addition to the 2 students in Spain; we have 5 Theology Students, 3 Novices, 1 Postulant, 21 Philosophy Students and 23 minor seminarians from Vietnam in the Philippine Province.
On this occasion we express our gratitude to God for His numerous blessings and we thank the General Government and Provincial Government for their support and guidance. With a grateful heart we remember our benefactors for their support.
In spite of being a communist country, much thanks is given to the heroic and glorious witness of the Martyrs of Vietnam. With regard to vocations, the country is a land of promise for future days. Taking advantage of this situation, more and more religious congregations are coming to the country in search of vocations.
The Claretians of Vietnam hope to go forward in the style of St. Claret for the growth of the Kingdom of God in that country.
