Abzalon’s letter to MSC Vietnam for the 20 years’ celebration.
With thanks to Bob Irwin for photos – but we will post them on the weekend so that visitors have more time to look at them.
Meanwhile, Superior General, Abzalon’s letter.
Rome, August 10th 2023
To the superior MSC in Vietnam.
To the provincial superior MSC in Australia.
This Jubilee celebration is also a moment to stop, take stock, and start once again to live the present moment, open to the emerging future of the Congregation in Vietnam.
Obtaining official recognition of our MSC Society in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) City is an important sign of God’s blessing on our presence in Vietnam. We are aware of the enormous efforts and patience that have been needed by you in striving for this goal.
Thank you, confreres, for your living witness of perseverance and resilience in the processes you have gone through so far. During these 20 years, you have shown to the whole MSC Society what our Founder said:
The undertaking may appear foolhardy, but we have signs of God’s blessing. In so far as the arm of God remains with us, confidence is a duty. Our prayer is that the divine Heart of Jesus may guard and protect the Society always. May he give us, as one of his favours, a great fidelity in seeking only what brings him glory. (Jules Chevalier, 1866)
May Our Lady of the Sacred Heart continued to intercede for our mission in Vietnam so that the ministries you carry out may show that “we know and believe the love God has for us”. (1 John 4:16)
Please extend our congratulations to the Laity of the Chevalier Family, benefactors, and members of your families. Once again thank you and may God continue to bless you.
In Corde Jesu,
Mario Abzalon Alvarado Tovar
Andre Claessens, MSC
Paulus Pitoy, MSC
Chris Chaplin, MSC
Humberto Henriquez, MSC
MSC General Leadership Team
