Lent: Vietnamese Catholics, challenging materialism and secularism
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - For Lent 2013, the Vietnamese bishops have launched a campaign against a growing "secularization" and "materialism" among Catholics and wider Vietnamese society, drawn to the consumer models publicised by television and newspapers.
In this Year of Faith, the Pastors begin, a "change of mentality" is required, one that is able to foster a return to traditional values, beyond the concept of mere selfish "personal gain". The period of preparation for Easter is the perfect opportunity to boost charitable initiatives in the social sector, as a complement to fasting and prayer, to truly prepare for the Risen Christ.
In a letter to the faithful, Msgr. Nguyen Van Nhon, President of the Vietnamese bishops Conference, recalls the resignation of Benedict XVI, which has deeply moved the faithful. At the same time, the prelate noted that during Lent, when we remember Jesus' passion, we follow "the light and the hope" that are born of his "resurrection".
His words echo the appeal launched by the Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City for Year of the Snake, which began on 10 February. Card J.B. Pham Minh Man said that "faith has always helped Catholics to express mercy" towards others, which is why the Cardinal invites every Catholic to personal conversion, we "put off the old man and put on the new man" forged in righteousness, holiness and truth.
Vietnamese Catholics are about 8% of a total of 87 million inhabitants, but they represent a vital force for the culture, history and society of the nation after 500 years of mission. The bishops appeal to every believer, to combat the materialist drift that is investing the nation and its citizens, increasingly attracted by money, success and material possessions of an unbridled modernity. As noted by Msgr. Joseph Đình Đạo Duc, director of the Major Seminary in Xuan Loc, in a letter to the community on the occasion of the Year of Faith and focused on the "big changes" that have affected Vietnam. Stressing the "change of mentality" and the process of "secularization," he raises the challenge for a true "education in the faith", that is able to address the problems and provide Christian "teachings" and "concrete answers".
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