From the IHM Associate office – featuring IHM Associate Antonia Soave
IHM Associate Antonia Soave has a global perspective and a love for teaching and languages. Born in Italy, Antonia has served in China, Peru and Bolivia as both a Maryknoll and a Salesian missioner.
But she says she hit the jackpot with her latest adventure: teaching English in Vietnam. ”My life in Vietnam felt so charmed that it is tempting to turn my back on the turmoil in the States,” she said. “It is such a contrast to the beauty, sunshine, and friendliness that I have experienced this past year. It was beyond anything I ever expected.”
Antonia worked and lived on the campus of the Salesian Brothers. She did one-to-one conversational English lessons, small groups and reflection groups of five. “Their faith is inspirational. Vocations are strong, Mass attendance is impressive,” she said. “These brothers truly exude the Don Bosco Salesian spirit!”
She was there for the 2024-2025 school year. Community life with the brothers and staff was wonderful. The days started at 5 a.m. with prayers and ended with the Rosary in the evenings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were shared as a community with about 40 people in the dining room. “It has been an honor and privilege to be part of their journey.”
Teaching was not restricted to the campus, however. Adults and children were so friendly and eager to practice their English that even an outing into town became an encounter. “I’d be giving an informal English lesson walking around the lake at 8 o’clock at night,” she said.
Antonia lives in Plymouth, Mich., and became interested in the IHM Associates program when she met Sister Mary Ann Flanagan at Visitation North. When she attended Sister Mary Ann’s funeral in Monroe, she was moved by the service and beautiful a cappella singing. She also met Sister Mary McDevitt there and the seed took root.
“I wanted to be part of their mission.” She went through the rite of commitment in 2024. Antonia added she’d like to return to Vietnam as a tourist to explore more of the country. She made wonderful friends, the work was rewarding, and the flowers made the landscape reminiscent of paradise.
There are no words to adequately describe how honored and gratifying it is for me to have served there.