Vietnam: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

The Marian Fathers in Vietnam celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate on Conception on Saturday Dec. 7, 2019. There is much to celebrate: the beauty and grace of Mary’s conception, the initiation of the 350th year Jubilee of Our Congregation, the presence of our Congregation in Vietnam, 3 novices in formation, 7 candidates discerning God’s will in their lives and the renovation of the property which the Congregation was able to acquire in February.

The day began with Solemn Morning Prayer in our house chapel with Frs. Boguslaw and Bill, the three novices and 6 of our 7 candidates.

After breakfast the community had 2 hours for last minute preparations before our guests appeared. 60 people joined us, including families of our candidates, neighbors, supporters, women religious from four different communities and a secular institute, several of the workers who renovated the residence hall, and priests.

The celebrant for the Mass was Fr. Truong, a priest of the Archdiocese of Saigon who early helped Fr. Boguslaw when he came to Saigon. We were joined by 10 priests: Pallotines, Passionists, Scalibrinis, and diocesan priests for the offering of the Eucharist.

Before Mass began the new construction was blessed: a chapel and hall for the gathering of guests. The chapel is our thanksgiving for the 350th year jubilee of the Foundation of our Congregation. The San Vito image of the Immaculate Conception, next to the cross in the chapel, is the artistic expression of the theology of the Immaculate Conception. The mystery of the Immaculate Conception is the fruit of the salvation which God won for us in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. This is why we daily say “may the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception be our salvation and protection.” Every day, following the charism of Fr. Founder, we realize that in the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary we celebrate the most eminent revelation of God’s salvation for us.

Our thanks to God for leading the Congregation to Vietnam and our thanks to you for your prayers and support.