Fa Cung

Hundreds of girls are trafficked every year in China. The main victims are teenage girls from ethnic minorities living along the border. The seminar to raise awareness was held throughout the month of May.

A delegation led by Bishop Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Khảm visited a pagoda in Tiền Giang to mark the festival celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. They received gifts, including anti-COVID masks with the logo of the Vietnamese Buddhist Church. The two sides discussed the many problems that afflict the planet, from the environmental crisis to ongoing conflicts.

Representatives of the Holy See met with the Episcopal Conference and the local Catholic community, bringing Francis' greetings and blessing. Pastor Fr. Joseph Trịnh Tiến Thành: "This is the pope's love for the Vietnamese Church."

Since early 2021, as many as 169 quakes were reported in Kon Plông, a district with many hydroelectric plants. For geophysics experts, there is a link between large-scale water accumulation and earthquakes.

Educators are confronted by teenagers taking their own life after going back to school following the end of COVID-19 closure. For psychologist Phạm Thị Thúy, parents and teachers put too much pressure on students.

Thái Hà parish held a service led by Redemptorist Superior Fr Giuse Trịnh Ngọc Hiên. Some diplomats were also present. Funds were collected for the victims of the conflict.

During Lent, the small market will continue to move around the various parishes. Donations are also planned for two hospitals. Fr Joseph Nguyễn Văn Vang: "This work has an important human and emotional significance".

Dispersed by war, this community in the Diocese of Kon Tum has regained vitality since 2010 thanks to the mission of Dominican priests and nuns. Many people from neighbouring villages have also asked to be baptised. The construction of a new church began in 2020.

Although masses continue to be held online due to the pandemic, the faithful have taken up Pope Francis' appeal to turn their thoughts to the ongoing conflict during Lent. “We ask God to remember in a special way the Ukrainian people,” said Archbishop Giuse Vũ Văn Thiên of Hanoi.

Ordained in Sơn Lộc cathedral, he heads a large diocese in northern Vietnam. His motto is “Unity and Love”. “The love of Jesus has enlightened and helped me realise God’s Will and I shall follow Him,” he said.

The Dominican superior is demanding answers, but pledges Christian forgiveness for the murderer. He wants the law to be implemented, not revenge. The priest's grave has become a destination for pilgrimage and prayers for Catholics, Buddhists and atheists. A group of lawyers is helping the family.

Caritas and local priests have undertaken initiatives in favour of the community, including pupils forced into remote learning and lonely COVID-19 patients in hospital. Vietnam’s Health Ministry plans to rev up its vaccination campaign. The parish has provided small gifts for people with few opportunities.