Bishop Tim Costelloe, SDB, who had been Thuy’s Rector during his years of formation, preached. He used the Gospel account of the annunciation to Mary to parallel Thuy’s journey towards this day of “annunciation” of God’s will, and encouraged Thuy in his unconditional “yes” to God’s plan for him. In a ceremony that had many highlights, after Thuy had pronounced his vows and been accepted into the Congregation, Fr Moloney asked all the Salesians and the Salesian Sisters to come forward to congratulate Thuy individually. It was a touching moment for all present, and was met with great applause.

         This is the end of a long journey for Thuy. At 15 years of age he fled his home and family at the fall of Saigon, and spent three years in a refugee camp in Malaysia. The Final Profession was a moment for many of Thuy’s friends from those days to meet once more, and it was an emotional moment. Thuy’s sister was able to be there from Vietnam, but his mother, who now lives in the USA, was unable to get a visa. We are still hoping to have her with us. After several years working as an assistant in Youth Centres, Thuy has recently completed a post-graduate qualification in Information Technology. This year he begins his new life as a finally professed Salesian. He will be part of the IT team in the service of the large Salesian school, Dominic College, Glenorchy, one of the poorer areas of Hobart, Tasmania. It is a long way from Vietnam to Glenorchy, and Thuy’s journey has taken many twists and turns. However, as Thuy said in his words at the end of the Eucharist, he has always sensed that God has been with him in his trials, as well as in his moments of blessing. The Australian part of the Australia-Pacific Province now has only two men in formation (we do better in the Pacific). There is no cleric in formation. If someone was to be sent today, it would be more than 11 years before we ordained another Priest. On this Feast of St John Bosco, we ask for your prayers. austraLasia #2794