Thousands of young people who would have liked to have travelled to Krakow for WYD could not do so for economic reasons. Yet, they are committed to praying for the pope and putting into practice his message of mercy. Many students join charities and save money to donate to the poor. Young people need to become “protagonists” in the life of the Church.
Hanoi (AsiaNews) – Thousands of young Vietnamese Catholics are experiencing World Youth Days as an opportunity to rediscover their faith, even if they cannot be in Krakow in person.
The vast majority of young Vietnamese cannot travel to Poland for economic reasons. Nevertheless, they still plan to pray for Pope Francis’ intentions and put into practice the pontiff’s message of mercy.
Just yesterday, the pope addressed his thoughts to the young people of the world who cannot attend WYD in person and must follow the event through the media.
Vietnam has a population of about 90 million people, more than half of whom are young. Catholics are about 9 per cent. In preparation for the 31st WYD, many Vietnamese got more involved in works of spiritual and material mercy, such as the Church’s missionary activity.
Sources inside the Vietnamese Church talk about a resurgence of faith among young people. “Many children have begun to experience this and bear witness to their beliefs. They always go to Mass on Sunday and sometimes during the week. Many of them choose a vegetarian diet for a certain period of the year so that they can save money and donate it to the poor."
Many students participate in charitable activities promoted by parishes and Catholic associations.
"When I am with the Catholic group, I feel a new hope for my life,” said Phúc, a university student from Ho Chi Minh City.
“I started doing charity work by overcoming my temptations and difficulties. With the help of priests and my friends I learnt to share the joy that helps me live. "
Catholic educators warn about the difficulties faced by new Vietnamese generations, especially when living in large cities.
"Many young people fall into the temptation of hedonism,” they say. “In addition, they are corrupted by consumerism of 'primitive capitalism' and indifference generated by crude socialism.”
“When they become protagonists in Catholic groups, they become positive and dynamic, and are able to conquer themselves."
Mgr Vũ Văn Thiên, head of the Bishops' Commission for Youth Ministry, has recently stressed the unique role that young people can play in the life of the Church.
"We are aware that they are not only the future of the Church, but also its present,” he explained. “Hence, those who care for young people must consider them not only as groups that need care but also as protagonists of evangelisation, especially in their own milieus."