For many Western countries, August is traditionally a time for summer holidays, vacations, returning home to be with family, and enjoying a quieter pace after a year of work. For the Vietnamese Province of the Martyrs in Vietnam, however, August 2026 has been a particularly memorable month, marked by three new things: newly professed religious, a new retirement house, and new missionary assignments. Three events, different in nature, yet united by one reality: the grace of God being generously given and made visible in the life of the Province.

NEWLY PROFESSED RELIGIOUS

First, August is a month of religious profession

On 2 August 2026, at Khiết Tâm Parish in the Archdiocese of Saigon, the Vietnamese Province solemnly celebrated the Feast of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Apostle of the Eucharist. The celebration included the First Profession of eight novices and the Perpetual Profession of six religious. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Phạm Đình Ái, SSS, Provincial Superior, and was attended by numerous priests and religious, family members, benefactors, and members of the Eucharistic Family. This was more than a celebration for the fourteen professed religious. It was an event for the whole Province. Their vows are the fruit of years of prayer, discernment, formation, and accompaniment. At the same time, their profession is a moment of joy for their families, the Congregation, and the wider community, as these young men generously offer their lives to Christ and to the Eucharistic mission.

NEW HOUSE

Then, August is a month of grace received and of communion

Just two weeks after the religious professions, on 16 August 2026, the Province celebrated another significant event at Hải Dương Parish in the Diocese of Xuân Lộc: a Mass of Thanksgiving, the blessing of the chapel, and the inauguration of the new Retirement House of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The project was completed after more than a year of construction. If the celebration of religious profession turns the mind toward those who are beginning their journey of consecrated life, the Retire-ment House serves as a reminder of those who have already travelled many years in religious life and ministry. These two events, seemingly different, actually converge at one point: Eucharistic life is a life that is broken and given - from beginning to the end.

The Retirement House, therefore, is not simply a place for rest after one has completed active ministry. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joseph Phạm Đình Ái, SSS, emphasized that even in old age, weakness, or illness, religious can continue to serve through prayer, sacrifice, and the offering of their lives within the mystery of the Eucharist. The new house is also a concrete sign of communion. Behind its walls, roof, and living spaces lie countless prayers and generous contributions from benefactors, family members, and all those who love and support the Congregation. Through their generosity and sharing, this building has become much more a home shaped by fraternal communion.

A NEW MISSION

Finally, August opens a new chapter of mission

This August also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Province following its Sixth Provincial Chapter, held from 26 to 30 May 2026 under the theme: “Living the Experience of Prayer, Communion, and Service of the Upper Room in the Context of Vietnam Today.” The orientations of the Chapter are gradually taking shape in various communities and ministries of the Province particularly according to the Mission Statement calling each community to become a “new Upper Room,” while encouraging the wise and creative use of the opportunities offered by the digital age and artificial intelligence in order to serve humanity and contribute to the proclamation of the Gospel of the Eucharist.

A HEART OF THANKSGIVING

As August 2026 draws to a close, the Province gives thanks to God for the many graces received: newly professed religious, a new house, and new missionary beginnings. The Province also expresses its sincere gratitude to all benefactors, family members, and friends who have generously prayed, accompanied, and supported these initiatives, helping these graces to become tangible realities.

Receiving all things from Jesus in the Eucharist, the religious of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament are once again invited to renew their lives and to continue offering themselves - broken and given for the proclamation of the Gospel of the Eucharist.

Father Martino Bùi Văn Hồng Phúc, SSS