Vu Nhi Cong

Pope Francis chose Mgr Joseph Đỗ Mạnh Hùng as the new pastor on 3 December. The prelate took canonical possession of his diocese nine days later with a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The following day, he led the faithful on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Tà Pao.

The French Jesuit was a missionary in Vietnam between 1625 and 1645. Until the early 17th century, the Vietnamese language was based on Chinese characters. The new script became an effective tool for evangelisation. More than 320,000 people were converted after 50 years.

Experts note that the region could disappear sooner than expected. Between 1991 and 2015, the ground dropped by 18 centimetres. Rapid urbanisation, underground water exploitation, sand mining and dam construction are the main causes.

All 39 victims of the refrigerated truck in Essex came from central Vietnam. For Fr Nguyễn Đình Thục, “young men and women think that by reaching countries like the United Kingdom they can save their parents from debt.” Many have been forced to emigrate for taking part in environmental protests.

"We are pastors and apostles of Jesus,” he said, “ready to go on the journey of evangelisation.” The prelate remains the apostolic administrator of his old diocese, Phát Diệm, over 1,600 km away.

Nguyễn Năng Tĩnh, 43, actively participated in social outreach and charity work in various parishes in the Diocese of Vinh. According to the authorities, he is a member of “opposition groups”. For his wife, “My husband does not do wrong things. He also does not violate the laws of Vietnam.”

Caritas Saigon has organised several seminars on Laudato si’. Youth in Hàng Xanh parish have become involved in collecting and reselling recyclable waste to fund useful projects. The city administration has welcomed the Church’s environmental efforts.

With not enough parishes and churches, the Church built 22 missionary points between 2016 and 2019, aiming for 50. These places play a central role in evangelisation. There were no Catholics in An Thi Đông and Doi Lầu; now there are now vibrant communities. The local Church renews its commitment for the extraordinary missionary Month.

Many Vietnamese are upset because the authorities resort far too often to "administrative sanctions" instead of prison. They are critical of the extradition agreement signed by Hanoi and Beijing in 2015. For many, national sovereignty is at stake.

The tropical depression has caused serious floods and landslides killing six with ten missing. More than 4,500 families have been affected in Hà Tĩnh and Quảng Bình provinces. Redemptorist Fathers responded to the appeal of the local Caritas. Volunteers hand out basic necessities in Hương Khê and Bố Trạch districts.

The bishops organised a national conference. Bishop Joseph Đỗ Mạnh Hùng calls for "realistic and concrete" pastoral care. Since 1979, many Vietnamese priests and religious assist their compatriots in various Asian countries.

The visit by Australia’s prime minister set to boost relations between the two countries. The sensitive geopolitical situation in the South China Sea was an important topic. Australia and Vietnam will work closely together in regional and international fora.