The Lekima typhoon on October 3 severely destroyed the center of Vietnam, especially Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Sơn La, Quang Binh, Ha Tĩnh, and Nghe An. Damage was initially estimated to be over USD60 million. About 86 people died. Vietnamese Jesuits organized a campaign to provide relief to the victims. Fr Tam and Sch Thong are collaborating with the bishops of Thanh Hoa and Vinh dioceses to provide the victims food and support in rebuilding their lives. In the name of the victims, Vietnamese Jesuits are grateful to the Province of Germany and of Australia and to all the benefactors who generously provided financial support for the victims.
The Jesuit brothers of Viet Nam Province had the annual meeting held on October 30 and 31. In the meeting, they reflected on the vocation of a Jesuit brother in the context of Viet Nam. They also discussed their continuing formation, how to prepare themselves for the missions in Viet Nam and also in the Assistancy.