Province of St. Philip the Apostle Welcomes New Candidates

By Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB

Please thank the Lord of the Harvest for sending us men who have heard the call and want to further discern if they are called to follow Jesus as Salesians of Don Bosco.

Last month, three candidates begin their formation with us:

Nathan Gonzalez, born in Hartford, CT, 20 years old;

Nicholas Jandernoa, born in Pewamo, MI, 21 years old; and

Quan Phu, born in Saigon, Vietnam, 20 years old.

Nathan first met the community in Tampa, FL, particularly through the summer camp. Nicholas and Quan made their first contact with our Province through the Vocation Office. In 2020, they both spent some time with the community in Tampa. It was that experience that helped solidify their discernment.

Thank you and congratulations to Fr. Franco Pinto and the Community at Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa. It is God who calls. Yet, God works in us and through us to help young people listen and discern God’s call for each of them. Paraphrasing Marist Brother Seán Sammon, I’d like to assure you that we are the best advertisers for Salesian consecrated life.