HTL 56 - TNTT, Mercy & Peace by VEYM-USA

PHONG TRAØO THIEÁU NHI THAÙNH THEÅ VIEÄT NAM TAÏI HOA KYØ

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MERCY & PEACE

höôùng taâm leân MERCY & PEACE

JUBILEE OF MERCY

CHAPLAINCY MERCY, PEACE

NATIONAL DAY OF

APOSTOLIC WORKS

HÖÔÙNG TAÂM LEÂN 56

MERCY & PEACE

HÖÔÙNG TAÂM LEÂN 56

MERCY & PEACE

‚...Through His birth, He wants to bring mercy and forgiveness so that we may have joy and peace in our hearts and our world…‛ - REV. FX BINH NGUYEN, SVD General Chaplain

‚Mercy is the path uniting God with man, for it opens the heart to the hope of an eternal love.‛ - POPE FRANCIS -

FR. FX BÌNH NGUYEÃN General Chaplain

Missionaries on a permanent mission to share Christ to others. Read how each Chapter take part in the National Day of Apostolic Works.

A once every 6 years National Convention. All you need to know about VDH6. Read and find out how you can Become a Member, Register for VDH6, participate in Contests and earn some cash prizes!

ARTWORK TR. NGUYEÃN PHÖÔÙC ÑOAØN FATIMA, MTÑ

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MERCY & PEACE

A REFLECTION FROM OUR I became a member of VEYM in my childhood years as a Seedling in Vietnam and later on in adulthood, a Youth-Leader in Indonesia. When I arrived to the States, for various reasons, I did not have the opportunity to continue my involvement with TNTT, although I love TNTT dearly. This was about to change on an unexpected hot and shining day at Đại Hội Huynh Trưởng Miền Trung in 2005. I was invited to be the Regional Chaplain for the Central Region by the General Chaplain of the VEYM at the time. Initially, I was reluctant and the feeling dragged on throughout the night. Partly, the responsibility was just new to me and I felt unprepared. After praying with God, consulting with close seminarian friends and contemplating on the matter, I submitted myself to the will of God to be His instrument. To this day, I am grateful for the Youth-Leaders in the Central Region for reconnecting me to the VEYM. It has been 10 years since I accepted the call to serve the VEYM. During these past 10 years of service, I have received much love and care from all of you. I am truly blessed with grace and fulfillment as I receive the countless smiles and good wishes from all of you electronically or in person. This decade long journey is lined with joy, peace and love. No journey is ever without obstacles and mine is no different. Mistake and shortcomings were made, but through your love and generous hearts, you forgave those blunders. In looking back, I am blessed to be a Chaplain and member for the VEYM.

CHAPLAINCY MERCY, PEACE

‚VEYM, Mercy, and Peace. ‛

The theme for this edition of Hướng Tâm Lên is VEYM, Mercy, and Peace. These rhythmic words tie in with the meaning of Christmas. God loves us so much that He chose to be born close to us on earth. Through His birth, He wants to bring mercy and forgiveness so that we may have joy and peace in our hearts and our world. We cannot have joy and peace when war and sins pervade our world and soul. For example, the people of the Middle East and many nations on earth are now longing for mercy and peace in their homes and nations. For those nations, mercy and peace come with a great price.

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MERCY & PEACE

Only GOD’S L O V E brings mercy and peace, and in the words of Pope Francis, “free”.

As I reflect on the concept of God’s love, mercy and peace, I am thankful to God’s calling for me to serve in the VEYM where I can indulge in His mercy and peace. VEYM, mercy, and peace should be an echoing slogan in the heart of every VEYM member. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and enter the Jubilee Year of Mercy, we pray that all VEYM members, and people of the world, may truly experience the love and mercy that the baby Jesus brings to us, so that in one voice, we sing joyfully and wholeheartedly ‚Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will.‛

Merry Christmas to you all!!

- REV. FX BINH NGUYEN, SVD - General Chaplain

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Kính Gửi: Quý Cha Tuyên Uý và Trợ Uý; Quý Trợ Tá và Ân Nhân; Quý Huynh Trưởng và Đoàn Sinh các cấp Kính thưa quý Cha Tuyên Uý, Trợ Uý, Trợ Tá, quý vị Ân Nhân, Huynh Trưởng và Đoàn Sinh các cấp,

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LETTER FROM THE Kính Gửi: Quý Cha Tuyên Uý và Trợ Uý; Quý Trợ Tá và Ân Nhân; Quý Huynh Trưởng và Đoàn Sinh các cấp Kính thưa quý Cha Tuyên Uý, Trợ Uý, Trợ Tá, quý vị Ân Nhân, Huynh Trưởng và Đoàn Sinh các cấp, Cùng với quý Cha Tuyên Úy và thay mặt cho Ban Chấp Hành Trung Ương, con xin kính chúc quý Cha Tuyên Uý và tất cả mọi thành viên cùng quý vị ân nhân của Phong Trào một ngày lễ Giáng Sinh tràn đầy bình an, một năm mới dư đầy hồng ân và phúc lộc của Chúa Giêsu Hài Đồng. Cầu chúc quý Cha và tất cả mọi người tìm được niềm vui trong tâm hồn đêm Giáng Sinh, vì Chúa không chỉ đến trần gian trong máng cỏ nhưng còn đến với con người qua trái tim. Xin tình yêu của Chúa Giêsu Hài Đồng sưởi ấm mọi người trong đêm Giáng Sinh này, tiếp tục đốt lên trong tim mỗi người ngọn lửa mến yêu phục vụ. Niềm vui làm tươi sáng cuộc đời của người khác, làm nhẹ bớt hay chịu đựng những gánh nặng của nhau, đong đầy những tâm hồn và cuộc đời trống vắng bằng những món quà quảng đại sẽ trở nên sự nhiệm mầu của Giáng Sinh. Cũng trong tâm tình tạ ơn, xin cám ơn quý Cha Tuyên Úy, quý Trợ Uý và Trợ Tá, quý Huynh Trưởng đã hy sinh cho Phong Trào. Lòng yêu thương và tâm tình phục vụ của quý Cha và tất cả mọi người đã làm cho Giáng Sinh không chỉ là mùa khơi lên ngọn lửa hiếu khách nơi phòng hội hay những lời chúc trên tấm thiệp mà còn đốt lên ngọn lửa thân ái của tình yêu trong con tim. Qua Năm Mới, xin kính chúc quý Cha và mọi người tràn đầy sức khoẻ nơi thân xác, niềm vui trong tâm hồn, lòng quảng đại trong trái tim. Mong rằng Năm Mới này tràn ngập hạnh phúc và tin mừng. Cầu chúc cho mọi thành viên của Phong Trào, đặc biệt là các Huynh Trưởng và các em Thiếu Nhi, năm mới này được thắm hương với những cơ hội mới trong cuộc đời, sáng ngời với những hy vọng mới trong ngày sống và tâm hồn tràn ngập những hạnh phúc mới của tình thương. Mong quý Trưởng và các em biết yêu mến và kết hợp mật thiết với Chúa Giêsu Thánh Thể hơn qua việc năng tham dự Thánh Lễ và Rước Lễ, nhất là siêng năng Rước Lễ Thiêng Liêng. Nhờ việc Chúa ngự vào linh hồn mỗi ngày, thanh tẩy và thánh hoá tâm hồn và thân xác chúng ta, chúng ta luôn tấn tới trong mọi nhân đức, biết thờ lạy, chúc tụng và tạ ơn Chúa luôn. Xin Chúa Giêsu Thánh Thể và Mẹ Maria chúc lành cho Phong Trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể cũng như đổ tràn muôn hồng ân xuống cho mọi thành viên và gia đình.

Giuse Đào Văn Đức Chủ Tịch BCH PTTNTT/VN/HK

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MERCY & PEACE

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POPE FRANCIS:

MERCY JUBILEE MEANS WE MUST OPEN

UR HEARTS, FORGIVE OTHERS Dec 16, 2015: Pope

Francis has called on Catholics around the world to use the ongoing Jubilee year of mercy to “open wide” the doors of their hearts to forgive others and to work against social exclusion, even of those that may have caused them bother or upset. In his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square Wednesday, the pontiff said that walking through any of the holy doors open in dioceses around the world for the Jubilee year should be a sign of “true conversion of our heart.” “When we go through that door, it is good to remember that we must also open wide the doors of our heart,” said Francis, suggesting people can even stand before the holy door and ask: “Lord, help me to open the doors of my heart!”

“The holy year won’t be very effective if the doors of our heart do not let Christ enter, who pushes us to go towards others, to bring him and his love,” said the pope. “Therefore, as the holy door remains open because it is the sign of the welcoming that God himself reserves for us, so also our doors -- those of the heart -- must always be open to not exclude anyone,” he said. “Not even those that bother me. No one!” Francis was speaking in his audience Wednesday during a reflection on the meaning of the Jubilee year, a special holy year the pope has called for the Catholic church from Dec. 8 through Nov. 20, 2016 to focus on the boundless nature of God’s mercy.

A Jubilee year is a special year celebrated by the church to receive blessing and pardon from God and remission of sins. While most Jubilees have been focused on calling pilgrims to Rome to receive such pardon -- normally by walking through a special holy door at a papal basilica -- Francis has widely expanded his Jubilee, asking that dioceses throughout the world open their own holy door at a cathedral or other church to expand the practice globally. The pope explained Wednesday that he asked for doors to be opened globally so that “the Jubilee is in the entire world, not just in Rome.”

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The JUBILEE

MERCY

might become an experience shared by every person

‚I wanted that this sign of the holy door might be present in every local church, so that the Jubilee of mercy might become an experience shared by every person,‛ said the pontiff. ‚The holy year, in this way, gets underway in all the church and is celebrated in every diocese like in Rome.‛ ‚The first holy door was even opened truly in the heart of Africa,‛ he said, referring to the fact that he first opened a holy door for the Jubilee year during

his November visit to the Central Africa Republic. ‚May this ecclesial communion become always more intense, so that the church may be a living sign of the love and mercy of the Father in the world,‛ Francis asked. The pontiff also warned Catholics against people he called ‚a bit smart or too cunning‛

who try to charge for entry into a holy door.

‚You do not pay for salvation!‛ Francis exhorted. ‚You do not buy salvation. The door is Jesus, and Jesus is free!‛

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‚The door indicates Jesus himself who said: ‘I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture,’‛ said the pope. ‚Going through the holy door is the sign of our trust in the Lord Jesus who did not come to judge, but to save.‛ Francis also said that mercy and forgiveness ‚must not remain beautiful words, but must be realized in daily life.‛ ‚Loving and forgiving are the concrete and visible signs that the faith has transformed our hearts and allows us to express in ourselves the same life of God,‛ said the pontiff. ‚Loving and forgiving as God loves and forgives,‛ he continued. ‚This is a program of life that cannot know interruptions or exceptions, but pushes us to always go beyond without ever tiring, with the certainty of being sustained by the paternal presence of God.‛ The pope also asked people to consider going to confession during the holy year. ‚God forgives all,‛ said Francis. ‚God understand us, even in our limits, and understands us even in our contradictions.‛ ‚With his love he tells us that when we recognize our sins he is yet closer to us and spurs us to look ahead,‛ said the pontiff. ‚When we recognize our sins and we ask forgiveness there is a party in Heaven. Jesus throws a party! This is his mercy: Do not be discouraged.‛ Francis ended the audience by giving an example of a person who says there is someone in their life they cannot forgive.

MERCY & PEACE

‚We have all heard this: ‘I cannot come to forgive,’‛ said the pope. ‚But how can you ask God to forgive us, if we are not capable of forgiveness?‛ ‚Forgiving is a big thing, sure,‛ he said. ‚However, if we open ourselves to welcome the mercy of God for us, at our turn we become more capable of forgiveness.‛

‚Courage!‛ Francis exhorted those in the Square.

‚ Courage and go ahead!

‛

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BELIEVE in Him, repent, and you will experience His limitless mercy and forgiveness.

AN ACT OF MERCY

A CHRISTMAS PRESENT

A funny story once told of a young Huynh Trưởng who was assigned the job of ushering one Sunday mass. At the beginning of mass, an old woman walked in and the Huynh Trưởng asked “Bà, Bà muốn ngồi ở đâu?” The old woman said, “Bà muốn ngồi ghế hàng đầu.” The Huynh Trưởng said, “Bà chắc không? Cha Tuyên Úy đây chán lắm và bài giảng của Cha sẽ đưa Bà vào giấc ngủ.” The old woman raised her voice in discontentment and said “Con có biết Bà là ai không?” The Huynh Trưởng said, “Dạ không.”, and the old woman said “Bà là Mẹ của Cha, là Bà Cố.” The young Youth-Leader was embarrassed at his mistake and his face turned bright red. After several seconds, he regained his composure and said loudly, “Bà, Bà có biết con là ai không? The old woman said, “KHÔNG”, and the Huynh Trưởng said, “Oh, tạ ơn Chúa!” LOL!!! !!! !! I am quite certain mistakes similar to the story above resonate with many of us. Numerous times we have sinned against God (e.g., addiction,

‚

THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S MERCY IS, ALL ARE FORGIVEN.

‛

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‚

THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS NOT ONLY BRINGS SPIRITUAL REWARDS, BUT ALSO PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS.

‛

MERCY & PEACE

altercation, fraud, etc…), or made mistakes/bad decisions in relationships, work, church, or school that may have significant impact on our Chapters, friends, families, and ourselves; the beauty of God’s mercy is, all are forgiven. Not only did he forgive, through His merciful heart, He loves us even more. This is very much evident in Bible; time after time, we sinned; and time after time, God forgave. His ultimate act of forgiveness, an act of mercy, His birth in the manger and death on the cross each day for the redemption of our sins.

Often, we live in regrets and guilt, and think we are not worthy of His love. We forget that His mercy is bigger than our mistakes. We forget that He is the most high and merciful God, there is nothing He cannot do. He can and will forgive all sins. Believe in Him, repent, and you will experience His limitless mercy and forgiveness. On this Christmas season and as we enter the year of Mercy, let us imitate Christ and give the gift of forgiveness, of mercy. I invite you to join me in first forgiving ourselves of the blunders we have made (towards our fellow Youth-Leaders, coworkers, families and friends), and second, forgive those (fellow Youth-Leaders, co-workers, families and friends) who have erred against us. The gift of forgiveness not only brings spiritual rewards, but also psychological benefits. From research, we know forgiveness improves relationships, decreases anxiety and stress, lowers blood pressure, lowers the risk of depression, and strengthens the immune and heart system. Overall, it increases your quality of life and relationship with others. Should you encounter internal conflicts in your effort to give the gift of forgiveness, pray and pray diligently, reach out to others, and make good use of recommended self-help books. For according to Maya Angelou, forgiveness is “one of the greatest gift you can give to yourself” and from Mahatma Gandhi, “forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”. As Eucharistic Youth Members, we cannot allow hatred of others and of ourselves to dwell within our Movement as it contradicts our core, which is the Eucharist, the sacrament of love. Martin Luther illustrated this point best when he said “He/she who is devoid of the power to forgive, is devoid of the power to love.”

Let us forgive ourselves, forgive others, and have a Mercy Christmas!!! !!! !! Dominic Hoàng Công Thái Dương, PCTNH, BCHTU

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TR. HOÀ SYÕ YEÂN THAØNH - ÑOAØN CAÙC THAÙNH TÖÛ ÑAÏO VIEÄT NAM - MIEÀN TAÂY Vì cả 3 bé tuổi gần nhau quá nên vẫn chưa biết nhường nhịn và chia sẽ với nhau. Hai vợ chồng phải kiên nhẫn nhắc mấy con phải “share” với nhau miết thôi. Tuy nhiên cả nhà mất kiên nhẫn chị sô em té vì em dành đồ chơi của chị, gặp lúc tôi đi làm về mệt quá nổi nóng nạt thật lớn“Mấy đứa không biết share với nhau thì Daddy đem bỏ rát hết!” Cả ba đứa nhỏ trừ đứa đầu hiểu được thùng rát là cái gì, còn lại chắc vì nghe tôi quát lớn tiếng quá nên cả đám khóc lóc thảm thương.

ai vợ chồng tôi đi sinh hoạt làm Huynh Trưởng thời gian cộng lại cũng gần 30 năm rồi. Khi đến với TNTT thì con nít nhà người ta mình chỉ cần thổi còi một tiếng là cả đám răm rắp tập họp và lắng nghe theo sự điều khiển. Vậy mà khi về tới nhà thì cả hai vợ chồng nhiều khi phải bó tay với 3 đứa con ở nhà. Ba cháu của chúng tôi đứa gái đầu 4 tuổi, đang vào thời gian thích đặt những câu hỏi “Why?” Còn đứa trai thứ hai thì đã 2 tuổi, là lứa tuổi biết leo trèo chạy nhảy hiếu động không ngày nào không bị u đầu hay trầy da tróc vảy. Đứa Út trai thì chỉ mới 11 tháng thôi, lại thích bò tò tò theo chị và anh để học nghề.

Tôi vừa một phần bó tay vừa phần hối hận. Cũng may bà xã ôm một đứa vào phòng. Bà ngoại mấy cháu cũng chạy ra bồng thằng Út vào phòng của Bà để tránh căng thẳng. Còn mình tôi phải xuống nước nhỏ để làm hòa với Cô Hai Cưng của tôi. Biết con bé rất mê kẹo Chocolate nên tôi lấy cho bé một cây rồi vuốt đầu và nhỏ nhẹ nhắc bé là phải biết thương em và nhường cho em vì bé là chị lớn trong nhà. Con bé hết khóc thành tiếng. Có lẽ vì phải ăn kẹo. Mắt mũi thì vẫn lênh láng rất là thương. Hai cha con ngồi trong im lặng để ăn kẹo với nhau. Chừng năm phút sau có lẽ đã nguôi ngoai, bé bắt đầu hỏi những câu “Why” như mọi khi “Daddy, tại sao cho con Chocolate vậy?” “Tại Daddy thương con đó. Thấy con thích ăn kẹo thì Daddy hạnh phúc mà.”

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“Tại sao Daddy hạnh phúc vậy?” “Tại Daddy thấy mình làm cho được vui đó” Con bé nghiên nghiên cái đầu, mắt thì nheo nheo như là đang suy nghĩ. Lợi dụng lúc bé chưa có những câu hỏi tiếp, tôi nhẹ nhàng thêm. “Khi mình làm hay cho người ta cái gì đó thì sẽ làm cho bản thân mình rất vui. Con cũng nên thử xem. You should try to give or do something for your brothers. You will feel very happy.” Bé, “Con thương em mà. Con cũng muốn làm em vui!”

Năm Hồng Ân “Xót Thương” tới gia đình chúng tôi nguyện sẽ làm thêm điều gì đó không những cho nhau trong gia đình, hay cho người thân gia quyến, hay cho các em đoàn sinh nhưng thường khi. Chúng tôi hứa sẽ tìm tới với tha nhân để chia sẻ ơn Thương Xót của Thiên Chúa.

MERCY & PEACE

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ith this month‟s theme, we often read in the bible that Jesus is very forgiving. We also learned it through prayer as well. Especially in „Our Father‟, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”. He teaches us how to forgive other just as he have forgiven us. Another powerful verse about mercy is on Matthew 11:29-30. Jesus is willing to take all burden from us so that we can rest and find peace within our soul. We often read in the bible and we often pray, but do we really live

the words? In order for us to find peace we have to forgive our neighbor and those who might have hurt us. That is how Jesus would want us to do, and this way we can have peace within ourselves. As a TNTT members we have to learn and live the lives that Jesus has set forth for us. Jesus is our role model, and he has set an example for us. It is our job to take Jesus‟s example and show it to the world. Đoàn Anrê Dũng Lạc, Charlotte, NC

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During Advent season our Đoàn looks forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The first week we celebrated Hope to remind us that Jesus is coming. The second week is Faith which reminds us of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. We continued to celebrate the third week of Joy which reminds us the joy the world will experience at the coming birth of Jesus. We completed the celebration the fourth week of Peace which reminds us of the angel’s message of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Our Thiếu Nhi went Christmas caroling at a senior retirement home and at a rehabilitation center for the elderly. Các em brought joy and peace to the elderly who do not have many visitors and most are sick. The smiles and joy experienced by the elderly also brought joy to our Thieu Nhi. They learned the importance of Jesus’ love and the message of bringing peace and goodwill toward men.

MERCY & PEACE

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CHRIST OUR SA

AVIOR IS BORN

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s another year is coming to an end, I’ve taken some times to reflect on the experiences, people and things that I am thankful for, and I would like to share this with all. What I did, where I was, and who I was with in 2015. I stretched my limits both spiritually and physically this year. As Pope Francis invited us all to walk with him in the joy of the Gospel, so I did. I shared the joy, walked with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, at Immaculate Conception Basilica in Washington, D.C., and at Benjamin Franklin Park in Philadelphia, PA. I was able see my patron saint, St. Maria Goretti’s relics, the little saint of great mercy at St. Veronica Church in Chantilly, VA. I was able to meet many Eucharistic Youth members, saints in the making, from East to West of the United States and the World. I spent 6-8 hours at church per week with my family, TNTT and CCD. I attended one night class every other week, learning the history of the Church and Christian spirituality. I read new inventions for work. I worked both from home and at the same work place as my husband. I practiced my 2nd grader’s spellings and read 2nd grader books. I practiced math and studied history and science with my 7th grader. I played tennis and am now coaching my 10th grader how to play tennis at least twice a week. I swam with my children in the ocean and

in the pool. I cooked Pho and Bun Bo Hue. I played guitar and attended my children’s concerts. I laughed with them, took them to places, and taught them to spend time wisely. Most of my days in 2015, I spent 4-6 hours in horizontal position and 18-20 hours in vertical position. I valued every minute that I had. Some of my feelings in the 2015

‚

I felt inspired by St. Maria Goretti. I cried at the Solemn Mass celebrated in St. Maria’s honor when Fr. Carlos Martins, SC, retold her story, THE PASSION OF ST. MARIA GORETTI. Her forgiveness converted and set Alessandro, a killer and rapist, on a path to his personal holiness. Saint Maria imitated Jesus. She offered up her thirst, pain, her agony in quiet and forgave her attacker. I asked Saint Maria Goretti to help me reflect on the virtue of forgiveness and practice it daily.

‛

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This is the part of the story that struck me the most: 

After Alessandro struck her repeatedly 14 times with a metal file…

“At the hospital, the doctors tried to save Maria’s life. She was badly dehydrated due to her large loss of blood, and she begged again and again for water. Because her intestines were pierced with its contents seeping into her body, the doctors couldn’t give her any water, as this would only exacerbate her already life-threatening condition. A parish priest was called to give her Last Rites before an operation was begun to save her life. The priest showed Maria a crucifix and told her that Jesus was also very thirsty as he suffered on the cross; he asked Maria if she would offer up her thirst to Jesus for the salvation of sinners. Maria agreed and didn’t ask for water again. The doctors began their surgery on each of Maria’s fourteen wounds. Because she was so weak, they couldn’t use any anesthesia. Maria was fully conscious as they widened each of her wounds in order to sew them up from the inside out. She didn’t cry out in pain once. She endured her agony in quiet and perfect patience, offering it all up to Jesus. Despite the efforts of the doctors, they couldn’t control Maria’s bleeding or infection. After twenty excruciating hours of suffering, Maria died the next day on July 6th at the age of 11 years and 8 months. In her last moments the priest asked Maria to forgive her attacker. Her last words were “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli … and I want him with me in heaven forever.””

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 

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I felt inspired by Pope Francis, who valued humility and encourages all to walk with him to serve others in the joy of the Gospel. I felt under pressure of time, places, people, and things constantly. As a result of that, I tended to get frustrated easily. When my inside is boiling, the memories of “SHARE the JOY, WALK with Pope Francis” reminded me of the joy of God in me (instead of the frustration in me) should overflow to others. I felt the temptation of hate and revenge surrounding me all the time, but not in me. “Share the Joy, Walk with Pope Francis” and Saint Maria Goretti’s relic pilgrimage events definitely will help me spiritually as I am walking in the year of mercy. Physically, I felt I needed to sleep more and play tennis regularly. As I stretched my limits this year, I might have put stress on those around me and perhaps accidentally made the world around me unhappy. I felt I needed to pay more attention to the feelings of people around me and walk side by side with them. I was inspired by Pope Francis, St. Maria Goretti, the theme of Coming to the Promised Land VI and the Year of Mercy, I wrote my first song ever, Niềm Vui Bất Tận (The Last Joy) Tr. Maria Goretti Hồ Tân Uyên, PCT QT BCHTU

TR. MARIA GORETTI HOÀ TAÂN UYEÂN PCTQT | BCH TU

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MERCY & PEACE In the spirit of the Yea r of Mercy our Ñoaøn in , many of Lieân Ñoaøn Nguoàn Soán out with op g , set foot ens hearts and hands in th e to take part Na tio n al Day o f Works. Ma A p o sto lic ny Ñoaøn Sin h, Huynh T Taù, Trôï UÙy röôûng, Trôï , and Tuye ân UÙy partic food drives ip a ted from , cemetery visits, to c the convale a ro ling at scent home s. There wa joy than to s n o other hear from caùc Ñoaøn Sinh, how

HÖÔÙNG TAÂM LEÂN 56

much they lo ok forward to this time of the year ann ually. Many Retreat for of them hav our Huynh expressed th e Tröôûng and Trôï Ta e warmth ù. This year, within their hearts when w e had the help o they see th f Sr. There e smiles of the elderly b s e P ecause of th Traàn and S höôùc eir presence r. Terexa T Also annually ! hu Hoàng Ñaøo, who , LÑNS is tr did a wond uly blessed for the supp erful talk on the beau ort of the s isters of the ty of love a Lovers of th n d mercy for Christ, e Holy Cros s for setting for others, time aside and for ourselves. to prepare an Advent

MERCY & PEACE

On behalf of Lieân Ñoaøn Nguoàn Soáng, we all join in together to pray that the light of our born Lord, Jesus Christ, shines bright in everyone's heart, and truly feel that Christ lives in them, and may the new year bring all full of joy and blessings!

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huùa möøng C â toå ò b n å a u eâro Ñeå ch Ñoaøn Ph buoãi , h in S g n Giaù em moät c ù a c o h aùnh chöùc c ïng taïi Th o V a ø u M g tónh taâm t. Pius X. Chöôn g S Ñöôøng coù nhöõn m à o g m â ta iuùp trình tónh rts & crafts ñeå g A g ït taám loøn ò sinh hoa b n å a u ch eán caùc em hia seû ñ c ø a v , n á yeâu me i keùm may maén ø göô nhöõng n

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MERCY & PEACE

In this season, we are reminded of how we have turned away the Son of God when Joseph knocked on the door of the inns in Bethlehem. We had no room for Jesus that's why the King of Kings was born in a manger. Again, we told him we had no room for him when he was crucified and died on the cross for our sins. Because of His love and mercy, we were saved and our sins were forgiven. But don't try to look for Jesus in the manger, He's not there! He's in each people we meet everyday. Today we had the opportunity to volunteer at Trinity Cafe. A non-profit group that serve nutritious meal to the homeless and hungry. They treat all of God's children who come to the cafe with dignity, compassion, love and respect. You can see that by the silverware set on the table, the host greeting the guests, the server who pour the coffee and bringing hot plate of food, the hostess at each table eager to learn and listen to each guest at their table. When Mary was pregnant, she went out to visit Elizabeth and stayed with her. We who have received the Son of God are called to go out and bring Jesus to others and the best way for people to know of God is through our compassion and mercy. We hope to continue to keep our hearts open for the Jesus in everyone and show God's mercy to them.

ÑOAØ N THAÙ N H GIUSE Tampa, FL

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ÑOAØN PHAOLO LEÂ BAÛO TÒNH, Riverdale - GA prepared for the Birth of Baby Jesus with Praise and Worship night ended with Adoration.

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MERCY & PEACE

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MERCY & PEACE

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LÔØI CHUÙC GIAÙNG SINH

Möøng Giaùng Sinh An Laønh vaø Ñaàm AÁm Thấm thoát mà năm 2015 đã gần trôi qua và nhìn lại những hoạt động của Miền Tây Nam trong những tháng cuối năm này thật để lại những suy nghĩ sâu lắng trong công việc phục vụ nước Chúa. Cùng nhau đồng lòng đồng sức chung tay làm việc nhà Chúa và Miền Tây Nam đã làm được rất nhiều điều bổ ích cho Phong Trào và Giáo Hội: Những khóa huấn luyện trong ngày đã được diễn ra nhằm bổ túc những kỹ năng cho Huynh Trưởng, ngày Tông Đồ đã được các Đoàn hưởng ứng và tham gia qua các buổi thăm viếng viện dưỡng lão, dọn dẹp những nhà kho, thu gom hộp lon thức ăn cho người nghèo, và cùng chung tay góp sức giúp cho buổi tiệc gây quỹ cho Phong Trào thật thành công tại Miền Tây Nam.

Cảm tạ Hồng Ân của Chúa đã ban cho Miền Tây Nam những con người và điều kiện vật chất để làm được những điều trên. Ban Chấp Hành Miền Tây Nam xin dành lời Tri Ân sâu sắc nhất tới quý Cha Tuyên Úy, quý Trợ Úy, quý Trợ Tá, quý Huynh Trưởng, và toàn thể các em Đoàn Sinh trong Miền đã luôn yêu mến, ủng hộ và góp phần phát triển Phong Trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể tại Miền Tây Nam. Giáo Hội đã tiến vào năm của Lòng Thương Xót, trong logo của năm Thánh, Chúa và con chiên Chúa vác trên vai mặt kề nhau và chỉ có 3 con mắt. Chúa đã yêu thương và chia sẻ con

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TIEÄC GAÂY QUYÕ GOÙP MOÄT BAØN TAY

ÑOAØN

TEÂREÂX A HAØI ÑOÀNG NDAW

‚

...coù con maét yeâu thöông vaø traøn ñaày ñöù tin ñeå soáng ñeïp loøng Chuùa...

‛

mắt đầy lòng yêu thương của mình cho chúng con. Và chúng con cũng nguyện xin có cùng một con mắt yêu thương và tràn đầy đức tin để sống đẹp lòng Chúa qua việc phục vụ những công việc chung của Phong Trào từ Đoàn cho đến các cấp bậc Liên Đoàn, Miền, và Toàn Quốc nhằm mang nước Chúa tới cho tha nhân. Và trong niềm hân hoan đón chào Chúa Giáng Sinh, Ban Chấp Hành Phong Trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể Miền Tây Nam Hoa Kỳ xin gửi lới chúc mừng Giáng Sinh An Lành, Đầm Ấm, và tràn đầy Hồng Ân của Chúa Giêsu Hài Đồng ban xuống trên toàn thể thành viên trong Phong Trào! Ban Chấp Hành Miền Tây Nam

ÑOAØN KITOÂ VUA - THAÊM VIEÄN DÖÔÕNG LAÕO

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

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Daâng hoa möøng leã Caùc Thaùnh Töû Ñaïo VN

Daâng hoa kính Ñöùc Me

eï trong Thaùng Maân Coâi

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Ngaøy Laøm Toâng Ñoà

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MIEÀN

TAÂY BAÉC

Ñoaøn Thaùnh Taâm

Ñoaøn Kitoâ Vua

Nhaïc phaåm “Giaùng Sinh Veà” saùng taùc bôûi Tr. Hoaøng Nam, meán taëng quyù thaønh vieân cuøng nghe ñeå cuøng nhau möøng Chuùa Giaùng Sinh.

Ñoaøn Emmanuel

Ñoaøn Chuùa Haøi Ñoàng

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Ñoaøn Gabriel

Trôï Taù MTB

Ñoaøn Teâreâsa Haøi Ñoàng Gieâsu

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NATIONAL DAY OF APOSTOLIC WORKS

The National Day of Apostolic Works (NDAW) unites all members of the VEYM across the USA to make a difference in their communities on the same day. VEYM Chapters across the country are invited to organize a volunteer activity for their members to participate in. By bringing us together to volunteer on the same day, we can build a stronger spirit of love and giving to all the communities across the country where VEYM members are active. In the past month, Chapters from all over the US united to kick-off the National Day of Apostolic Work. Wearing, purple, a symbol of mercy, love, and forgiveness, VEYM members storm the community to deliver one message, that is, God is Love. This love captured in their apostolic services to the community to spread the Good News; from visiting and singing at nursing home centers, to volunteering at the food banks; cleaning churches and parks; praying for deceased souls; spending time with individuals who are homeless; and more… Through their unified actions, they opened the way for many others to experience God’s love.

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Kính chuùc quy ù Cha Tuyeân U Ùy, quyù Trôï UÙy, quyù Trôï Ta ù, caùc Huynh Tr öôûng, vaø caùc em trong PT/TNTT moät m uøa Giaùng Sinh An Laønh v aø moät Naêm M ôùi traøn ñaày Hoàng AÂn Thieân Chuùa. Ban Chaáp Ha

ønh Mieàn Ñoâng

Baéc

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Ñoaøn Anreâ Duõng Laïc, Silverspring, MD ñang bieåu dieãn nhöõng maøn muùa vaø laøm arts & crafts cho nhöõng ngöôøi giaø taïi vieän döôõng laõo.

HÖÔÙNG TAÂM LEÂN 56 Cha Tuyeân UÙy Mieàn Trung Ñoâng cuøng caùc Tröôûng ñang doïn deïp saïch seõ nhöõng taám bia taïi Nghóa Trang.

Ñoaøn Fatima, Philadelphia used their talents and creativity to Share Christ to others.

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& PEACE About MERCY VÑH6

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Become a Member

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ULY 3 | 2016

T CENTER | CARLINVILLE | IL

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VEYM-USA Channel

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Contact: Ban Baùo Chí | htl.veym@gmail.com