Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "In this Jubilee Year, as the People of God, we want to remember the grace that God has given us over many centuries. We want to thank him and thank the missionary martyrs who gave their lives for the birth and growth of our Church." With these words, Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, explained to Fides the meaning behind the Holy Year, which opens on November 24 - Solemnity of the Vietnamese Martyrs – in So Kien, a city 70 km from Hanoi, where the first Cathedral of the Vicariate Apostolic of Tonkin was consecrated. The local Church celebrates 350 years since the foundation of the first two Apostolic Vicariate of Tonkin and Cochinchina (1659-2009) and at the same time, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the hierarchy in Vietnam (1960-2010).
"The Jubilee will serve to strengthen our faith and share it with others," says Cardinal, explaining the goals: "We pray to God to help us in this task, so that it raises awareness of the faithful in their role as witnesses and evangelists."
Furthermore, "we aim to promote a very active participation of the laity in the edification and growth of the Catholic community in Vietnam." Referring to the situation of the Church, Cardinal Pham Minh Man said: "We do not have Catholic schools, but we want to confirm families, communities and associations, so they can become 'schools of faith.' We have catechists in each parish, but at the pastoral level, their work is not enough. It is aimed primarily at children, but after they receive Confirmation, oftentimes children and young people fall away from the Church. In this Holy Year, so we want to be especially attentive to young people and families."
As for the impact that the Jubilee will have on society in Vietnam, the Cardinal tells Fides: "Society Is focused on money and imposes consumerist models. We want the people of Vietnam to know what a 'faith life' means for us Christians: not a conflict or a fight for power or wealth, but living in truth and love of Christ. We want to make everyone understand what the Church is and reiterate how it can contribute to the common good of the people and the nation."
Some Jubilee celebrations - such as the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony, the Congress to be held in November 2010 - will be attended by senior civil authorities: "The Jubilee will be a step towards improving relations with the government. We hope so, although we know that it takes time,” says the Cardinal.
"We note some encouraging signs: I recently oversaw the distribution of a Vietnamese translation of Caritas in Veritate among officials. It is important to clarify that the Church is not a danger to the nation, but wants to contribute to human development in the country. If this fact is understood, everything will be easier," he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2009)
