Gathering of Young Dehonians in the USA: A Week of Prayer and Fraternity

Each stage of life brings different joys and challenges; religious life is no different. Recognizing this, the Provincial Council encouraged younger members of the U.S. Province to gather regularly to get to know each other more deeply and to support each other in their vocations.

Initial meetings were online via Zoom. From October 12-16 the group held its first in-person gathering at the Sacred Heart Retirement Community in Pinellas Park, FL. The location offered an opportunity for the youngest SCJs to spend time with brothers and priests who have been in vows for decades. Although much time was spent in prayer and reflection, “it wasn’t a retreat,” said Fr. Floribert Bulo Dhelo, SCJ, chairperson of the organizing committee. “It was a gathering, an opportunity for younger SCJs to get to know each other better and to work towards building greater fraternity among ourselves.”

Besides Fr. Floribert, organizers included Fr. Henry Nguyen, SCJ, Fr. Christian Hoper, SCJ, Fr. Hung, Pham, SCJ, and Fra. Michael Wodarczyk, SCJ.

“The blessings and challenges of being young SCJ religious: our identity, our communion, and our mission,” was the theme for the week chosen by the committee. Fr. Willyans Prado Rapozo, SCJ, general councilor, facilitated the gathering.

“You helped us rethink our identity as Dehonians and as religious, and discover the blessings of community life, even amidst its challenges,” said Fr. Floribert, speaking to Fr. Willyans during closing remarks. “Your simplicity touched each one of us. Thank you for walking with us, and for making our gathering even more joyful.”

Writing from Asia, where he was leading an on-going formation program for Dehonians there, Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, offered advice to the younger SCJs. “My simple recommendation is this: persevere. Life has its joys and challenges, and religious life is no exception. There will be moments of fulfillment and moments of struggle. When difficulties arise, I hope they do not diminish your faith but rather lead you to greater trust in the Lord and deeper reliance on one another.”

Besides time in prayer and reflection, participants enjoyed local tourist spots, such as the Florida Aquarium and Clearwater Beach. The newest priests in the province –– SCJ Fathers Hung Pham and Long Nguyen (ordained on August 15) –– were celebrated, and Tin Nguyen, who is in his first months of formation, was welcomed to candidacy.

The group plans to continue to meet via Zoom two to three times a year for ongoing formation as well as yearly in-person gatherings.

“As we look ahead, let us keep before us our motto, Sint Unum, that they may be one,” said Fr. Floibert.  “And may we also remember our mission as Dehonians: reparation. This means answering the love found in the Heart of Jesus but also, offering our lives so that what is broken can be healed by love. May this gathering help us to be one, and as one, seek to offer reparation, wherever we are sent.”

Source: https://dehoniansusa.org/feature-stories/young-religious-gather-for-a-week-of-prayer-and-fraternity/