7 Volume 34 No. 3 | Spring 2024 Society Matters Hai says he thanks God that the parishioners and youth of the parish where he is working have been so welcoming, collaborative, caring and loving. “They have given me so much joy, happiness and energy to testify to God’s love. I not only have commitments in the parish, I’m also engaged in the ministry of the archdiocese. I celebrate the Holy Eucharist in Spanish twice a week and in English once a month in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Cali.” Fr Hai says being able to speak Spanish and communicate with the Colombian people is one of the great joys of his ministry. “Sometimes, being able to make a joke and make people laugh in a homily gives me motivation, energy and blessings,” he says. “Being able to learn Spanish and to adapt to the culture is a great gift that Jesus has given me.” While he is enjoying his first missionary experience, Hai says he also looks back on his time of formation in Australia with happiness and thanksgiving. “There are no words that can express my gratitude to the Australia Province of the SVD for giving me the opportunity to deepen my religious life, to study English and theology in an international atmosphere, and especially to experience living in a multicultural community like the Dorish Maru community in Melbourne, which has benefited me a lot,” he says. As he embraces his first missionary assignment, Fr Hai takes strength from the motto of his priestly ordination: “the Love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14), which he says “strongly encourages, sustains and strengthens me”. “There is only the love of God that holds me firmly when I am in darkness and doubt,” he says. “During the missionary journey in Colombia, the words that St Paul sent to the Galatians have inspired and sustained me: ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me’. “My missionary religious life is completely rooted in God’s love. What I am doing here in Colombia is not for me or is not a sacrifice as a way to pray for the souls in purgatory; it is mainly my love for Jesus Christ whom I want to follow and give my entire life to his love and salvation on earth.” Fr Hai thanked all those in the SVD Australia Province who have supported him along the way. “I honestly appreciate the prayers, care and love; especially this opportunity to share my missionary experience with you all,” he says. “May God bless us and our mission always. God’s mission is ours.”
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