Communication N. 02
Biên Hoà May 31, 2019
Dear Capitulars, Guests, Moderators, Translators, and Interpreters,
In a little less than a month, the Biên-Hoà General Chapter 2019 will officially start. The Vietnamese Dominican friars and sisters are eagerly waiting for this historic encounter and gathering of all capitulars, guests and representatives of the Dominican Family from all over the world.
At this time, I would like to give you some information regarding the Chapter’s preparatory work.
1. Up to this day, some have not received a confirmation letter from the Vietnamese Immigration office about issuing them a visa to enter Vietnam; however, the Vietnamese Government reassures that all of you will be welcome to enter the country to attend the General Chapter. We know that you could apply for a visitor visa; nevertheless, the government advices that you should apply for a visa to attend a conference. We very much appreciate your understanding and patience.
a. For those who have applied or obtained a visitor visa, we assure that you still can attend the Chapter together with all the activities of the Chapter.
b. For those who are living in a country without a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate, you will get a visa on landing at Tân Sơn Nhất airport (Hochiminh City, Saigon), please have with you the document issued by Vietnamese Immigration office that we have sent you, and an ID photo. The price of the visa is 25 USD.
2. We would like to remind the prior provincials to take with them the confirmation letter of their election which will need to be presented to the examiners on Sunday 7/7/2019 evening.
3. We would like to remind the delegates, invited guests, moderators, translators, and interpreters to bring Testimonial Letters to be examined on the Sunday 7/7/2019 evening.
4. Please email us your flight information at capgen19@gmail.com. At Tân Sơn Nhất airport, you will be met and welcomed by the members of the Dominican Family in their black and white vest with the Chapter’s logo (can be found at capitulumgeneraleop2019.net). Tân Sơn Nhất/Saigon airport (SGN) has only one exit for international arrivals, so it will be easy for you to notice the Dominican members who are waiting to welcome you.
5. We rely on your flight information to meet you at the airport. If your flight is delayed or canceled or if you miss a correspondence, please send us a message at Viber or WhatsApp # 0916878704 (there is free wifi at the airport). In case you miss the welcome-team on arrival, please also contact us at Viber or WhatsApp # 0916878704. If you have to take a taxi, please go to one of these two addresses:
a. Provincial Curia: 229 Võ Thi Sáu, P7, Q.3, Hochiminh City about 6,5km from the airport and the cost is about 8-10 USD.
b. Tu viện Mân Côi (Holy Rosary Priory): 90 Nguyễn Thái Sơn, P3. Gò Vấp, Hochiminh City is about 3km from the airport and about 5 USD.
6. Please come to one of the above two places, DO NOT go directly to the Diocese of Xuân Lộc’s seminary where the General Chapter is taking place.
7. The temperature at the place where the General Chapter will be held is pretty good, the average is 26-30oC. There is no need to bring a jacket. Conference room and chapel are 20oC air-conditioned; thus, if anyone is not comfortable with air-conditioning, he can take a light jacket.
8. There are soccer field and basketball court at the venue of the Chapter. If you would like to play some sports, please bring your shorts and shoes. We can provide you with sportswear if you give us your size and your preference.
9. There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady at Vũng Tàu where there are beach and hills. Bring your running shoes and bathing suit for those who prefer plunging into the ocean.
10. Electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 volts at 50 Hz plug with two round pins. There are electrical outlets at the table in the large conference room.
11. We have purchased medical (emergency, accident) insurance for all the participants. Please know that it only covers the treatments for accidents, illness caused by climate and food consumption right after the completion of the immigration papers and during the time of the Chapter. You will be responsible for any other illness.
12. We would like to ask all of you: capitulars, invited guests, moderators, translators, and interpreters, to let us know if you have any need concerning health, food diet, allergy, medicine… Please bring your drug prescriptions, if you have any.
13. Your bedroom is pretty simple and most essential amenities are already in your room (mosquito net, sheets, pillowcase & cover, towels, soap, shampoo).
14. Laundry (dry clean) is included in your daily expense.
15. You don’t have to bring your breviary since we have printed liturgical booklets for Mass and for the Office of the Hours for each capitular and participant of the Chapter. A liturgical calendar for the Chapter is attached here for your convenience. For the liturgical responsibilities, only the name of the province is listed; thus, the Prior Provincial will assign the duties to his friars.
16. All Capitulars, excluding the invited guests, moderators, translators, interpreters, share the expenses of the General Chapter. The cost includes board and lodging, laundry/dry clean, excursions… please review the letter of the Syndic of the Order attached here.
Thank you very much. If you have any question or concern, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
We are looking forward welcoming you. May God bless our General Chapter through the intercession of our Father Dominic.
Fraternally in St. Dominic
Fr. Joseph Ngo Si Dinh, OP.
General Secretary
