Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ho Chi Minh City (Agenzia Fides) – Mission and immigration came together in Vietnam in recent days, on the celebration of the 150th of the founding of the Salesian Congregation. On September 2, the order celebrated the event with youth workers, internal and external (foreign) migrants.
For the entire Salesian Family in the country, the celebration of the 150th anniversary was a special occasion to recall the work they have carried out for the most needy of society. In particular, the Salesians work with immigrants offering professional training, trying to offer the youth more opportunities. As they leave their homes in search of employment, they often meet priests, sisters, and lay members of the Salesian Family who are willing to listen to their needs and offer them assistance. As has occurred in other developing nations, the youth of Vietnam must leave behind their hometowns and move to the larger city of Ho Chi Minh, in search of work.
These youth live on very low salaries, without any professional qualifications, working on plantations or in factories.
Thus, the Salesians are working in the area of youth ministry and immigrants, especially with the younger working class. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2009)
