The Journey of Hope of the Scalabrinian Congregation in Vietnam: 2005 - 2025

Ho Chi Minh, January 5, 2025

As the Scalabrinian Congregation in Vietnam is going to commemorate the remarkable milestone of twenty years of presence, service and commitment in September 2025, it reflects on a journey marked by hope, resilience, and a deep dedication to marginalized communities, particularly migrants, and workers in the industrial sectors. From its humble beginnings to its significant impact to come, the congregation is trying hard to journey with the spirit of compassion and solidarity that characterizes its mission which born from the heart of our Founder, Saint John Baptist Scalabrini.

A Journey of Hope

Since its official recognition by the local Church and establishment in 2005, the Scalabrinian Congregation has focused on the formation forming the new missionaries for the congregation, at the moment, after twenty years officially present in Vietnam the number of Vietnamese Priests are forty-eight, who are assigning in various missions in different countries.

Besides that, located in Thu Duc City, a hub of industrial activity in Ho Chi Minh City, the congregation has recognized the unique challenges faced by workers—many of whom are far from their homes and families. The community has been trying hard to give its possible efforts on supporting the significant number of migrant workers and their families living in industrial zones, particularly in areas like Thu Duc City, which are home to countless factories and a diverse workforce. The Scalabrinian priests and religious are still trying hard to dedicate themselves to providing pastoral care, addressing the spiritual needs of these communities, and helping to strengthen their faith amid the challenges of life far from home of the migrants.

The composition of our humble community

We are four priests, three of us are in-charge in the fomation programs, Rector: Fr. Dominic Nguyen Quang Huynh, CS, Spiritual Director: Fr. Vincente Nguyen Van Dinh, CS and Bursal and Vocation Promoter: Fr. Joachim Tran Dinh Thong, CS. The other priest is Fr. Joseph Nguyen Tien Khiem, CS who is assigned as a director of The Scalabrini Welcome House.

We have here two programs: first, the Philosophy program, which are nine students in the second year and eleven are in the first year. Second,

the Propaedeutic program with 11 students who entered last August, 2024.

The recently community events

Our Scalabrinian community Vietnam in the school year 2024 – 2025, had see a little change of personnel and was held some important remarkable events such as, last June 1, 2024 the officially beginning of the new Rector Fr. Dominic Nguyen Quang Huynh, CS, who was Rector in the Philosophy house in Manila swapped to Fr. Joseph Tran Thien Nguyen, CS, who was the rector the Philosophy house in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Second was last September 9 we organized the celebration of ordination to the priesthood for father Peter Hoang Khanh Nguyen Ngoc Thuan, CS, through the laying hand of Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang, Bishop of Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh.

Last but not the least, the beginning of the new school year last August 30, 2024 marked an new beginning for the community to start a new school year with grace in God through the intercession of St. Scalabrini.

Little work of the community

Over the years, the congregation has established various initiatives, including:

Pastoral Care: Visits to families, offering support in times of need to help nurture their faith.

Social Services: Programs aimed at improving healthcare access and providing practical assistance to those living in poverty.

A Vision for the future

As the Scalabrinian Congregation looks to the future, its vision is rooted in the mission articulated by our founder, St. Scalabrini, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and advocacy for migrants.

Conclusion

As the Scalabrinian Congregation in Vietnam is going to celebrate its twenty-year anniversary this year, it does so with a renewed commitment to its vision of hope and transformation. The journey has been one of profound impact, touching countless lives and fostering a sense of community among those who have often felt alone.

Moving forward, the congregation is poised to deepen its mission, uphold the dignity of all individuals. With faith as its foundation and a vision for a more just society, the Scalabrinian Congregation continues to embody hope and inspire change in the lives of those it serves.

By Fr. Dom. Nguyen Quang Huynh, CS