From June 17 to July 21, 2024, Br. Hung Nguyen, MSC, director of the MSC Mission Office Vietnam and Fr. Roger Purcell, MSC, Director of Mission Office Australia, met with their team members in Vietnam. They discussed how the Mission Office has been working in Vietnam and its projects from 2022 to present. Afterward, they visited the disadvantaged youth and water projects in remote areas. The projects have been well implemented, and the residents are happy about the visit.
From left to right (starting with the top row) – Photos #1-2: Meeting with Fr. Roger in Sai Gon, photos #3-6: Visiting the orphanage and other places, photos #7-8 Summer activities with the youth in Ca Mau province, photo #9: Clean water project in Binh Thuan province; photo #10: Clean water project in Tien Giang province
When the work of the Mission Office visitations concluded, Br. Hung attended an MSC Communal Gathering from July 23 to July 28, 2024.
Members in temporary vows, were included in the Community discussions to plan the future of the MSC presence in Vietnam for the next 5 to 10 years. Observers present were Frs. Gene Pejo, MSC, who represented the General Council; Thoi Tran, MSC who represented the Australian Provincial Council and one of the co-founders of the Vietnam Community, Fr. Robert Erwin, MSC who represented the history of the MSC in Vietnam. The written proposals were printed and given to Fr. Thoi Tran, MSC, to present at the next Australia provincial meeting.
From left to right: Fr. Gene Pejo; Fr. Thoi Tran; Fr. Bob Erwin
During the closing of the conference, Fr. Gene Pejo read a letter from the Superior General, Fr. Absalon Tovar, MSC. The General expressed his concerns about the conference and highly appreciated all those who made this conference happen. The community hopes to have some things implemented soon!
Above: Community Members