Vu Nhi Cong

The diocese’s ‘protection group’ tries to convince mothers to carry their pregnancy to term; failing that, they bury the dead foetuses in a dignified manner. So far, volunteers have rescued over a hundred children and buried 61,000 foetuses. For one doctor, women who have an abortion suffer serious physical and psychological harm.

To avoid contagions, the Archdiocese of Hồ Chí Minh City suspended Masses. Churches, chapels and religious communities remain open for prayers and worship. The Pope’s universal prayer and Urbi et Orbi blessing moved many.

The region has suffered from drought since 2016. Five provinces have declared a state of emergency earlier this month. In most places, the Mekong is between 0.1 and 1 metre above the Eastern Sea level. Lack of rain, water use and more dams have increased salinity.

Infected people live in 13 of the country’s 63 provinces. COVID-19 is highly infectious. The Church has called on the faithful to engage in responsible behaviour and respect government orders. Priests will be able to return to celebrate penitential rites and collective confessions starting next 29 March.

The two countries mark 25 years since the normalisation of diplomatic relations. The USS Roosevelt's visit follows that of the USS Vinson in March 2018. Hanoi plays a central role in the US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries oppose China’s expansionism in the South China Sea. For US fleet commander, the US upholds Vietnam’s “sovereignty and independence”.

Six of Vietnam’s 16 cases are in this town. Some 1,300 Catholics live in the municipality of more than 10,000 people. A young priest volunteered to help. The faithful are praying for the end of the world-wide emergency. “We hope that these sacred moments will not only heal bodies, but also our souls,” says parishioner.

Some 275,000 and 300,000 pregnancies are terminated each year, according to official figures. However, the real number is much higher; between 1.2 and 1.6 million if illegal abortions are counted. Teenagers represent 20 per cent of all pregnant women who abort. In 20 years, a Catholic man has buried over 20,000 foetuses and saved hundreds of children.

The Bishops’ Conference issues instructions for communities across the country. The faithful are urged to pray for the victims of the disease and for doctors seeking a speedy treatment. Nine cases have been confirmed in Vietnam. The government temporarily shuts down schools.

Two confirmed cases have been reported, but 11 people are under observation. Chinese tourists have crossed the border into Vietnam for the Lunar New Year, but many have decided to stay home believing that this will limit their risk of contracting the virus. For Vietnamese and foreign experts, the country could become the second most infected.

Catholics are a small minority and represent only 1.38 of the province’s population. For decades, priests were in short supply. However, “the faithful are very religious, they engage in works of charity and show mutual affection,” noted the bishop. As the Year of the Rat approaches, Bishop Hoàng calls for greater attention for young people.

The Rào Nam dam is only 150 metres from the village of Linh Cận Sơn. Nine villages in Quảng Trạch district are at risk if it should overflow. Local clergymen have appealed to the authorities, which have responded with intimidation and death threats.

More than 5,600 people and more than 1,000 volunteers took part in the Christmas Congress organised by the local diocese. Almost 500 people with leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) were examined and received drugs for free. For Bishop Nguyễn Văn Đệ, even with different faiths, humans have a common Creator and a paradise.