Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan, a good citizen and a noble pastor
Ho Chi Minh City
(AsiaNews) - A Mass concelebrated by seven priests, with the participation of
more than two thousand faithful in the Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City on the
10th anniversary of the death of Cardinal FX. Nguyen Van Thuan, was also attended
by some relatives of the late cardinal.
Father Joseph, of the cathedral of Notre Dame, recalled the cardinal who was head of the
archdiocese of Saigon, "even in difficult
situations, though he was not physically close to the faithful and the priests
of the archdiocese, he always cared for our souls. Anyone who came into contact
with him has been forever changed in the way they live".
Father Dominic Trương Kim
Hương, who studied under the Cardinal
at the major seminary Xuan Bich from 1964 to 1965 described how "the
cardinal wanted to improve the lives of all. Although imprisoned for 13 years
by the communist government he never blamed anyone, he hated no one and had no
vindictive feelings towards 'our brothers.' His behavior profoundly impressed
those who watched him and thanks to his loving care, some Communist officials
have been baptized and have become good Catholics and good citizens. "
Father Joseph said that the cardinal's motto was "Gaudium et Spes, joy and hope." It is also the name of the Vatican
II constitution, in which the Church clearly states that it does not see the
world as hostile, dark, fearful, and neither excludes nor condemns it, but in which
the Church opens to dialogue with all and in all social situations ".
Card. Van Thuan said that "dialogue means meeting and understanding one
another, creating a path of hope and joy of life. That is why he chose the
motto" Joy and Hope", because he was always able to see hope. Through dialogue,
Christ helps us to hear the voice of God. "
The relatives of the cardinal described his good character: he was simple,
sociable, interested in people and did not hate anyone. A Communist official
said that "he was a living saint." He taught us that "when you
go to church, pray, close your eyes and listen to the Word of God."
"The Cardinal - many young people told AsiaNews
- was a holy person, a noble and virtuous pastor."
.png)
