Ho Chi Minh City, lay Catholics renew their missionary commitment in society
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - Vietnamese Catholics have relaunched the missionary task of the laity, which is fundamental in contributing to the growth of the universal Church and the country's development. The task of evangelization entrusted to every Christian, is the focus of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City who want to renew their presence in a society which, in recent years, has assumed an increasingly materialistic drift and risks losing its cultural and traditional roots. And the task of proclaiming the Word of God and disseminating the Catholic catechism so that all may hear the message of salvation that Christ brings to every person, every family, the culture of the entire country.
A Catholic from the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Saigon, confirms that "it is time to live and work for the mission," not only for 2012 "but always" today and in the future because "we should all carry the Word of God to the other families, individuals, wives, husbands and friends. " He adds there are "many ways" to bring "aid and comfort" to others "with love". Among these charitable and social works are always of primary importance, particularly in aid of the poor and children, as a privileged means to be "witnesses for Jesus".
During a meeting, the faithful underscored the importance of the Vietnamese translation of messages and letters of Pope Benedict XVI, which helps them improve their efforts in proclaiming and understanding the teachings of the Church. Because faith "is not a habit," but according to the example provided by the Redemptorists it becomes "responsible commitment" in society.
An opinion shared by Fr. Joseph, the parish priest, who says it is necessary to promote "the role of the laity" in the task of proclamation. At the same time, he recalls that it is the duty of priests and religious to observe closely the work of the laity and support it with care and commitment. As a result the feast of Pentecost, celebrated Sunday, May 27, became a day for "Orientation to mission," in which parishioners participated with enthusiasm and attention.
In 2011 alone, the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Saigon, baptized 978 new believers, including 775 adults and 203 children. The faithful recount that there are nine Masses each Sunday attended by persons from all over the neighbourhood and Ho Chi Minh city. And from the end of May every Tuesday evening (the first event to be held on the 29) "the missionary vicariate has organized catechism classes."
The activities of the Redemptorists, in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are often targeted by government authorities, who want to stifle their efforts.
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