The Children Association of the Holy Body has been present in Vietnam for centuries, until 1975 that is, when the Communist government banned it from the Archdiocese of Saigon.
In 2003, 20 pre-1975 association leaders came together. Beginning in 2005, they began training 22 new leaders. Now, thousands of leaders are involved in activities with children in hundreds of parishes throughout the archdiocese.
In a festive but attentive atmosphere, Auxiliary Bishop Mgr Peter Nguyen Van Kham told participants that “Children’s Day is a very special day, so is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, which is closely linked to this group, the Children Association of the Holy Body.”
During the meeting, participants were reminded that the group is based on evangelical teachings and on Jesus’ warning to his disciplines, not to prevent children from coming to him.
Today, priests and catechists are the modern disciples, and they do not chase away children. Instead, they help them come to Jesus and follow him.