Post Novitiate Seminarian - Bosco Son, SVD

My SVD Story
Interviewer: Michael Nguyen SVD

Michael Nguyen: G’day, mate! Would you please introduce yourself to our webpage’s reader, for example, your name, country of origin, and how far is your study with the Society?

Bosco: I am John Bosco Sang Bok, Son, originally from South Korea. I joined the SVD in 1999 in Korea. About my theological studies, I still have two more years before ordination.

Michael Nguyen: Well, I guess it will not be too difficult for you to share with our reader the motivation that brought you to the religious missionary life with the Society of Divine Word… Am I right?

Bosco: Yes, you are right. I remember back in Korea, I used to attend monthly vocation meeting with the Franciscans to discern for my call. Having shared with the Rector of the Franciscans about my dream, he recommended me to join the Society of Divine Word. So here I am among the SVDs. Well, it seems to be hard to describe the motivation that brought me to the SVD. However, I know I want to be a missionary. And this call was confirmed during my Overseas Training Program’s years in Koforidua, Ghana between 2004 and 2006.

Michael Nguyen: Impressive! So you worked in Ghana for over two years, hah. Anyway, Bosco, you can see our Dorish Maru College is very diverse. Indeed the SVD residents of the Seminary come from different nationalities, Ireland, Vietnam, Fuji, Indonesia, Italy, the US, ect… What is your impression of living in such a diverse environment?

Bosco: I have never experienced monoculture in the SVD communities in Korea, Ghana, and Australia. There were 8 nationalities in SVD communities in Korea. Living and working with confreres from different nationalities could be sometimes a challenge. However, I reckon that such a challenge experience can be a necessity for those who would like to serve God through the role of a missionary.

Michael Nguyen: Well, let say, tomorrow you will profess Perpetual Vows and then be sent to a foreign land for your missionary work, what country or what culture you would like to set your foot to? Why this culture?

Bosco: It is a very interesting question. I come from Asia (Korea). I am currently living in Australia (Box Hill). I worked in Africa (Ghana). I was in Europe (Italy), though it was only a few weeks. However I have no experience living in South and North America yet. So, I love to come to the continent of America for my future missionary work. Having said so, I am still fine in wherever I will be sent for the first assignment.

Michael Nguyen: Thanks for your sharing. Before we end the interview, do you have anything else that you’d like to share with our reader, especial the guys who’d like to follow your SVD missionary footstep?

Bosco: Thank you, Michael! Anybody out there who is interested in being a missionary, in particular SVD’s one, just come and see us at Dorish Maru College, Box Hill.