(ANS - Hanoi) - Following the gradual improvement of relations between the civil and ecclesiastical authorities in Vietnam, recently four major male religious congregations - Franciscans (OFM), Dominicans (OP), Jesuits (SJ), and Salesians (SDB) ­- have been recognized by government authorities with a special certificate. This means that for the first time in 40 years, religious congregations in Vietnam may officially operate as public organizations under the law of Vietnam.

The certificate 05 / GCN-TGCP issued by government authorities to the Salesians, recognizes the objectives of the Province as follows: “Instruction for youths and children, especially poor and at-risk children”; and the Scope of activities: “Religious activities, Vocational instruction, Charity Organization”. It states finally that the Province is “Registered to operate by the law of Vietnam and within the approved scope of activities".

Attached to the certificate is a list of (15) Salesian Communities in seven provinces of Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Min City (Xuan Hiep, Ben Cat, Hoc Mon, Tan Thinh-Cau Bong, Ba Thon, Can Gio);
• Lam Dong province (Da Lat, K’Long, Tan Ha VTC);
• Ba Ria – Vung Tau province (Phuoc Loc VTC);
• Dong Nai province (Tan Cang, Duc Huy);
• Vinh Long province (Dong Thuan VTC);
• Ha Tinh province (Ky Anh VTC) and Kien Giang province (Vinh Hiep). NB: VTC = ‘Vocation Training Center’.

This recognition comes almost like a gift, in the Year of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco and in the Year of Consecrated Life.

At present in Vietnam there are about 16,500 consecrated religious (13,500 women and 3,000 men), belonging to 254 different congregations of pontifical or diocesan right, mostly concentrated in Ho Chi Min City. Every year about 600-700 young people enter the novitiates.

Published 19/11/2015