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From the afternoon of June 4-10, 2017, the retreat of the Seminarians and Philosophy students of the Congregation of Mission took place at the Blessed Durando Philosophy Institute in Dalat. This is the first time the two institutes shared a retreat together, with more than 100 members present. This retreat takes place in the atmosphere of the 400 years anniversary of the Vincentian Charism. So, the theme for the week of retreat was: The Vocation of Vincentians and the 400 years of charism. The preacher was Father Peter Ngo Van Thuyen, CM, Director of the Vincentian Novice.

All brothers of the two institutes have begun the week of retreat with Eucharistic Adoration on the evening of the Pentecost. Each day there were two hours of sharing Father Peter, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Father Peter implemented the characteristics of the historical and present Vincentian spirituality, as well as the actual situation in Vietnam. After each hour of sharing was private prayer time for all the brothers to reflect on the topic raised.

Blessed Durando Philosophy Institute is also a Retreat Center for all the religious and the parishes as well as for all branches of the Vincentian family. Because Dalat has a cool climate year-round and beautiful scenery, this is a good place to hold retreats and seminars.

After this retreat, all brothers will have a month of English camps by volunteers from Niagara University in the United States. This is an opportunity for all brothers to improve their English skills as well as to learn other skills. We hope this will be an interesting learning environment and bring good results for all brothers.

After the end of the English month, all brothers set out for the 18 communities, and the parish in which the Congregation was in charge throughout the country, to help the pastoral ministry in season. Examples of pastoral work in communities are catechesis, music education, catechetical training, chaplains, and other work in the mission area. At the same time, all brothers can also associate and accompany the branches of the Vincentian family, groups, or jobs such as visiting the poor, shelters or centers for people with disabilities, orphans, etc. … or sometimes do nothing but to be present and live fraternally in the community that the brothers are sent to.