By: Andres Neria
Salesian Communications & Media Coordinator

(Bellflower, California) – On August 15^th, the feast of the Assumption, the Province of USA West, celebrated the first professions of two novices, Michael Nguyen, and Thomas Nguyen, as they made their first vows as Salesians during Holy Mass which was presided by Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB, provincial. Amongst the presence of their friends, family, and Salesian Family, Michael and Thomas expressed their commitment to the young and the poor by saying “yes” to their Salesian vocation.

“Every day for me is a “yes” to God.” says Michael. “I say “yes” to him in daily prayer, in doing my duty with extraordinary love, and in being led by him in every moment of my life.”, he continues to say, “It’s an opportunity for me to commit myself to God, and with His grace and the help of my brothers, to do God’s will by serving the young follow in the footsteps of St. John Bosco.”

“There is one Salesian who told me that if you don’t find joy in doing everything for God through the young, that means this vocation is not for you.”. These words have stuck with Michael and have taught him that joy, inner joy, comes from loving God and that joy will never be taken away from you (John 16:22).

For Thomas saying “yes” is him “catching up with Him (Jesus Christ) on his journey” and that his journey thus far has taught him a lot of “empathy [to] love others as well as Jesus Christ loves [him]”. Much like Don Bosco had empathy for others, especially the young and the poor, Thomas’s goal is to continue to be like Don Bosco for the young today.

A reception was held after at the parish hall, sponsored by various groups from St. Dominic Savio. Thank you to their pastor, Fr. Mike Gergen, SDB, and the entire St. Dominic Savio community for hosting such a joyous occasion and to all those involved in the preparation process.

Please continue to pray for Bro.Michael and Bro.Thomas as they continue to answer to their vocation and please continue to pray for vocations, especially to the Salesian Society.

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