Chiang Mai (AsiaNews) A Vietnamese delegation arrived yesterday in Thailand to attend the Asian Mission Congress (AMC). Its members will bear witness to their personal "story of Jesus in this socialist country and the positive developments concerning the Church" in this difficult land.
Mgr Peter Nguyen Van Nhon, bishop of Da Lat and chairman of the Commission on Evangelisation will lead the Vietnamese delegation to Chiang Mai. Also coming are Mgr Peter Tran Donh Tu, bishop of Phu Cuong, and Fr Dominic Ngo Quang Tuyen, deputy head of delegation.
Fr Ngo told AsiaNews how much joy was felt for participating in the great event and "sharing the various experiences of the story of Jesus in Asia".
The Vietnamese delegation prepared a booklet on "Telling the Story of Jesus in Viet Nam: The process of Catholic development in Viet Nam is the process of challenge and demonstration of belief in God, the Church and people."
After mentioning the fundamental contribution to the country's evangelisation "made by missionaries from Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Japan," the clergyman summed up the 1695-1802 period as one of formation, the 1802 -1885 period as a period of tribulation, and the 18851960 period as one of development. Since 1960 the Vietnamese Church has been in its period of "maturity".
Unnamed laity from Vietnam said that "today there are catechists who are working with children living in very difficult circumstances, social workers helping the poor and people living with HIV/AIDS. In our commitment to social work we bring the Gospel to those who have thirst and hunger for the love of Jesus."