"Many are moved by this show of love. Jesus’s love comes to them," said Fr Joseph Đinh Hữu Thoại, a clergyman who serves the poor in the mountainous areas near Đà Nẵng. His work is hampered by the harsh controls and "pressure" from local authorities. For years, Redemptorist Fathers have been helping Republic of Vietnam veterans after their defeat at the hands of the Communists.
The event was part of the 33rd World Youth Day. To ensure kids from every parish participated, meetings were held in many districts.
Hundreds of people attended Mass of thanksgiving for the Catholic organization’s twenty years of activity. There are also hundreds of children helped by the center, the majority of them non-Christians. Aid for orphans, HIV-positive, disabled and autistic. Catholic Volunteer: Fighting against "discrimination" in families and communities.
About a thousand parishioners in Yên Đông began the action, joined by thousands of others, Catholics and non-Catholics. Police intervened but later pulled back because of the large number of demonstrators who want the company to shut down and pay for environmental damage. “We are doing this to protect people and the future of our children."
The Church gave thousands of young people unable to be in Krakow a chance to be in communion with Pope Francis and share his appeal for mercy. Dioceses organised two-day meetings with prayers and games. Participants deepened their faith and discover " how generous everyone can be”.
Thousands of Vietnamese Catholics took part in the closing Mass of the World Day of Families. Now they can “bring home the spirit of this World Day, to share with fellow parishioners” who could not come, certain that “our church has a place in the universal Church”.
Responding to Pope Francis’ Paschal call, Caritas Saigon has boosted its outreach to the poor. In Tân Việt parish, courses train volunteers to be socially useful in the spirit of the Church.
Mgr Paul Bùi Văn độc is in Barcelona, Spain, for the International Pastoral Congress on the World's Big Cities. The prelate spoke to AsiaNews about the danger of family breakdowns, highlighting the role the laity can play in the Church's mission. In 2015, the Vietnamese bishops' conference is set to promote a pastoral ministry specifically for migrants.
Currently under construction, the facility is to meet the "material and spiritual needs" of faithful visiting the land where "thousands of Catholics" were killed bearing witness to Christ. The area is home to some 2,000 Catholics are active in the mission towards non-Christians.
Msgr. Peter Nguyễn Văn Khảm invites people to "build a solid faith" to counter a "materialistic society". The diocese covers a wide agricultural area, with young people fleeing to the cities in search of work. Prelate says they need "targeted programs" of "aid" and moments of prayer in the family to strengthen the faith.
Bishop emeritus of Phan Thiet, he spent a lifetime in the service of the neediest. The prelate promoted the values of "unity, mutual love, and care for the poor," not only in words but also through "concrete actions". In a country divided by the war, he always promoted peace. The authorities and party paid tribute to his remains.
The Polish Pope is loved and admired by Christians and non-believers. A parishioner in Saigon praises his ability to "forgive and love". Others stress his deep " humility". Respect and admiration even from atheist intellectuals. Hanoi Professor he was a "messenger of peace" throughout the world.
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