Phan Thiết (AsiaNews) - Young people are the strength with which to address the problems that consumerism is creating in Vietnamese society today, eroding moral and cultural values and traditions.

Proof of this was seen last Sunday, when two thousand young people of the diocese of Phan Thiet, in the south of the country after days of waiting took part in the gathering of young people on Palm Sunday in the parish of Kim Ngọc. The meeting discussed the most important issues facing the society and faith today, especially in light of Benedict XVI's words on "humility of God, an extreme form of His love."

Bishop Joseph Vu Duy Thong, who took part in the working session, especially with a reflection on the Pope's message for this World Youth Day: "Rooted and built up in Christ, firm in faith," (cf, Col 2:7).

In the reality of today's society, young people living in a rapidly developing society in terms of, economics, politics, religion, culture and communication. People walk around like robots, reckless and hasty in their work. Consumerism is marking our lives, eroding our moral and spiritual values. This particularly applies to young people, who meet the challenge in going to church or take part in pastoral activities.

As reflected in the young people of the diocese of Phan Thiet who every year take part in the meetings, many go to church every day, participate in the pastoral and social activities of the parish, teaching catechism to children, carrying out missionary activities.

"We pray, we exchange life experiences, we learn together," some of them said to AsiaNews. "These activities are really important to our lives. They remind us of Jesus' love, help us keep our faith and make us work to help our brothers and sisters "