Summer Camp in Ba Ria, Vietnam

Christian R. del Mundo, AA, Adveniat, Manila

Part of our mobilizing works of the Congregation  is education inspired by  Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon  emphasis on its importance during his lifetime. For him, it is one of the “ways of going to our Lord Jesus Christ (ES 856, 2). It is the same passion and zeal that led the Assumptionist brothers in the Philippines to help the church in Asia, religious and lay people, in learning basic English language. 

 Last summer, four (4) Filipino Assumptionist brothers, namely Brs. Ariel Vidanes, Joseph Panaguiton, Ethiel Roxas and yours truly travelled to Vietnam to participate to English Camp activity after the pandemic. I and Br. Ariel were assigned in Ba Ria, (Novitiate Community). He handled the novices and students from our student house in Saigon while I taught the children from the neighborhood. I must say that it wasn’t easy, especially for myself, who is not a teacher by profession. Nonetheless, through the help of Bro. Ariel, I was happy and grateful for the experience of helping those children who became our friends towards the end of our summer apostolate. We taught them songs, played games and created fun-filled activities to make the learning of English a pleasant experience for all the participants.  I also wanted to commend the Novitiate Community for being so gracious and helpful host during our stay in Ba Ria.