Phan Thiet (AsiaNews) – Thanks to social, educational and charitable initiatives, priests, religious and lay succeed in helping missionary activities.  This was confirmed in a meeting between 200 religious, 9 orders and two religious associations in the Southern Vietnamese diocese of Phan Thiet.

The federation of Catholic monks and religious sisters has been working on pastoral initiatives for over 13 years and are heartened to have a group to work alongside.  According to a pastoral letter issued by the Bishops Conference this year, “Education today for the future of society and the church” in order to “better integrate into the current situation of the nation, religious have to have faith in today”.

The priests and sisters are well aware of this objective.  “We have been carrying out pastoral and social initiatives in the parishes, communities and provinces throughout the diocese, based on the Spiritual Guides of the Vietnamese Church.  We met with many great difficulties, but have not been discouraged.  We helped each other along the way to push ahead”.

One of the sisters from the Holy Cross Lovers tells AsiaNews: “We have 238 sisters are serving at parishes, communities and groups in Phan Thiet Diocese. Through educational and social activities, our sisters are helping people, young people and children living in especially difficult circumstance”.

The priests and religious sisters are responsible for many kindergartens and schools in the parishes, teaching in 15 difficult classes and helping over 166 disabled children.  They are also active in eliminating illiteracy among children of the Raclay ethnic minority.