The Diocese of Phan Thiết on Monday welcomed international delegations arriving for the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Youth Seminar at the Tàpao Marian Center.
The gathering, which will run from September 16 to 18, opened with an atmosphere of fraternity as participants from across Asia made their first steps at the Marian shrine, according to the diocese.
The seminar brings together bishops, priests, and young people from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan. Father William James La Rousse, Assistant Secretary General of the FABC, leads the international delegation.
The Vietnamese delegation includes Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam (CBCV) and archbishop of Saigon; Bishop Joseph Đỗ Mạnh Hùng of Phan Thiết, CBCV secretary general; Bishop Louis Nguyễn Anh Tuấn of Hà Tĩnh, CBCV deputy secretary general; and Auxiliary Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Viên of Vinh, head of the CBCV’s youth ministry.
They were joined by priests, religious from various congregations, and young people from the diocese.
An evening welcome program at the Tàpao Marian Center introduced the delegations to the local Church through cultural performances, videos highlighting diocesan life, and group activities.
Organizers said these were meant to build fellowship and prepare participants for the days of discussion ahead.
The seminar will officially open on September 16 with morning prayer, orientation speeches, and the first round of working sessions.
The diocese said the gathering seeks to be a moment of grace for the Church and young people across Asia.
