Auxiliary Bishop Peter Nguyen Van Vien of Vinh reminded participants of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) meeting for Animators and Directors of Youth Ministry that God’s ways are “always larger than our own.”
The prelate, who is in charge of the Vietnamese youth ministry, made the statement during the second day of the meeting at the Tapao Marian Center in Phan Thiet Diocese.
The day began with morning prayer and a concelebrated Mass in English at the Chapel, presided over by Bishop Peter.
In his homily, the prelate urged participants to embrace openness to God’s work. He also encouraged young people to allow the Word of God to transform their hearts and become “witnesses of hope in today’s life.”
Father Orman Fernandes of India led the workshops and guided participants through a session on pastoral pedagogy for youth.
Building on discussions from the previous afternoon, he divided participants into six groups to engage in dialogue, reflect on Scripture, and practice action-oriented prayer.
The discussions focused on pressing challenges in youth ministry, including social media, peer pressure, self-image, gender awareness, substance use, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
Participants noted the shared realities facing Asian youth, which include “both a desire to be accepted and a vulnerability to social and cultural pressures.”
In the afternoon, each group presented its conclusions, sparking debate and reflection. Participants identified concrete practices that could be applied in daily ministry.
The day closed with a communal dinner and a cultural exchange program featuring performances from different countries. Songs, dances, and shared laughter underscored what organizers described as “the spirit of communion in diversity and richness, true to the spirit of FABC.”
