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Vietnamese Catholics promote common good against materialism
by Nguyen Hung
In Ho Chi Minh City in November, there will be a "public meeting" organized by Cardinal JB Pham Minh Man, attended by priests, nuns and lay people. The goal is to help the bishops to promote the "public interest", to counter a growing materialism. Inviting the faithful to educate children to Christ "right from home."
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) – By gathering the suggestions of priests and laity, the bishops of the Vietnames Church aim to promote common welfare in the dioceses and parishes. This is the goal of a public meeting convened by Cardinal JB Pham Minh Man, archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, to be held in November in the former Saigon, entitled: "Innovation and renewal for Catholics in Vietnam." Explaining the reasons that led to the preparation of the meeting, the cardinal invited the faithful to "change from within" and serve "the public interest" and not only personal gain.
"We must do our best - is the invitation by the Archbishop of Saigon - to help others escape selfishness and build communities marked by love, communion, to complete the task of announcing the Good News and to allow everyone to encounter Christ. "
The conference will be attended by priests, religious leaders, members of committees, catechists, lay people, entrepreneurs and ordinary faithful Catholics. The discussion will be open to contributions, opinions and criticism.
Mrs. Hoa, from the parish of Tam He confides to AsiaNews that it is the"first time" she has heard of a "public conference," công nghị in Vietnamese. She will discuss "common pastoral activities, to bring spiritual aid to local churches and members of the community." Underscoring the danger of Catholics turning "to consumerism", she also notes the need “to decisively deal with the reality on the ground” and "calls every Catholic family" to educate " children to the faith right from home."
Mr. Duy, adjunct professor at the University of Ho Chi Minh City, adds that the failure of human nature pushes the individual toward "egoism", especially among young people who only look for their "personal fulfillment" rather than the common good. "Through education in parishes and families - the professor concludes - we can contribute to the development of the younger generations of the church and in society."