Vietnam Province Opens Jubilee Year

Vietnam Province Opens Jubilee Year

75 Years of Salesian Presence (1952–2027)

(Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – October 6, 2026) – On Saturday morning, October 3, the Salesian province of Vietnam solemnly celebrated the opening Mass of the Jubilee Year marking the 75th anniversary of the Salesian presence in the country. The Eucharist was presided over by the archbishop of Saigon, Joseph Nguyen Nang, with the joyful participation of numerous faithful.

From the early hours of the morning, the provincial house was filled with Salesians, young people, parents of the religious, other consecrated persons, and members of the Salesian Family. Among the guests of honor was also Bp. Peter Van De Nguyen, SDB, bishop emeritus of Thai Binh. Concelebrating also were Fr. Barnabas Lê An Phong, provincial, the members of the provincial council, and numerous priests.

Before Mass, the assembly looked back over the 75-year history of the province through a brief historical presentation. Subsequently, the provincial secretary read out the decree of the Holy See which officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year.

In his homily, Abp. Joseph recalled the spiritual legacy of St. John Bosco and the theme of the jubilee, “Gratitude and Hope.” He invited those present to thank God for the quiet service of the Salesians on behalf of thousands of poor and orphaned young people, emphasizing how the small seed sown by the Venerable Fr. Andrej Majcen had grown and borne abundant fruit.

At the end of the celebration, Fr. Barnabas expressed the gratitude of the entire province to God, to the pioneer missionaries, and to the Salesians who have shaped this history. Bp. Peter Nguyen then shared his testimony, inviting everyone to translate their faith into concrete acts of mercy toward the poorest, especially young people.

The celebration concluded with a hymn of thanksgiving and a fraternal lunch. During the gathering, the winners of the competition for the jubilee logo and hymn were presented with their prizes; furthermore, the parents of the Salesians were presented with a portrait of St. John Bosco as a token of gratitude.

Don Bosco Communications of Vietnam