The Prefecture of Youth and Vocations Ministry- Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province commits to make vocation ministry as an expression of the maternity of the Church, which always begets life by the power of the Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life. Hence, every year, a gathering for us, Lay Claretian Vocation Collaborators (LCVC), is held. The gathering always hopes to strengthen our collaboration with the Claretian Missionaries.
This year, the LCVC gathering was held from October 23- 25, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was attended by eight (8) LCVC. We were accompanied by Fr. Martin Ernest Ele, CMF (Prefect of Youth and Vocations Ministry) and Fr. Le Duc Tho, CMF.
Aside from strengthening collaboration, this gathering also aimed to deepen our appreciation for the interculturality of the Claretian congregation, have a greater knowledge of their mission in Vietnam and of how vocation awareness and promotion are conducted there.
Our trip in Vietnam was made more memorable because we were able to celebrate there the Feast Day of St. Anthony Mary Claret last October 24, 2025. In the morning, talks were given by Fr. Tho and Fr. Elmer Cantular, CMF. The first talk entitled “From Liking to Loving” was given by Fr. Tho. He emphasized that our journey as a Claretian lay collaborator is not just about knowing and liking the Claretian Spirituality. Rather, it is about letting it shape how we live, how we serve, and how we love. Our model is St. Anthony Mary Claret. We, the LCVC, are called to let the fire of God’s love ignite in our lives. There has to be a transformation from liking to loving; focusing on others not on one’s self. The focus towards others entails commitment, sacrifice and fidelity.
The second talk was given by Fr. Elmer. The first part was all about Vietnam: its culture, form of government, food and cuisine, important festivals, tourist spots, fashion, arts and religion. The second part centered on the presence and mission of the Claretian Missionaries in Vietnam.
In the afternoon, Fr. Martin facilitated our meeting together with Fr. Nguyen Duc Hien, CMF, in- charge of the vocation ministry in Vietnam. Ms. Bambi Flor, an LCVC who was not with us in Vietnam, joined our meeting via zoom. During the meeting, we talked about the challenges faced by the vocation ministry as well as of how we can help.
At 5: 30 in the afternoon, we had the Eucharistic celebration at Claret House presided by Fr. Julius Jose Coching, CMF. Other Claretian priests also concelebrated. Before the mass ended, Ms. Anne O. Baay from Tagum City, was installed as the newest Lay Claretian Vocation Collaborator.
We capped of the feast day with a sumptuous Vietnamese meal. We met the Vietnamese Claretian Missionaries assigned at Claret House, the Claretian aspirants, some religious sisters and several Vietnamese guests who were introduced as sponsors. Not only did we enjoy the abundance of fresh good food but also Vietnam’s history as we visited some historical places. Most of all, we had a deeper appreciation for the Claretian mission and the Claretian Missionaries. Guided by St. Anthony Mary Claret, may we, Lay Claretian Vocation Collaborators, also allow the fire of God’s love to ignite in our life. May the Claretian spirituality shape how we live, serve, and love.
