Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Saigon (Agenzia Fides) - From 6 to 15 July the Preposito General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach is visiting Vietnam carrying with him a decree which will transform the Independent Region of Vietnam into a Province of Assistance of East-Asia -Oceania, the Jesuit Press Office informed Fides. While in Saigon Fr Kolvenbach blessed a new building where young Jesuits will study philosophy and theology. On 14th July a special Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of the Jesuits' return to Vietnam will be presided by Cardinal Joseph Pham Dinh Tung, Archbishop emeritus of Ha Noi, many bishops and priests will concelebrate. On that day the Preposito General will read the Decree to create the Province and announce the name of the first Provincial Superior.
The history of the Catholic Church in Vietnam coincides with the initial presence of the Jesuits in the 17th century. On 18 January 1615 three Jesuits, two Portuguese and one Italian, expelled from Japan, arrived in Danang and decided to start evangelising the country. The presence of the Jesuits was uninterrupted until 1773 when the Order was suppressed. The Society returned to Vietnam about two centuries later. In 1955 the government of Saigon asked Father General Janssens to consider opening a Catholic University in Saigon. Nothing came of the proposal but instead Delegate Apostolic asked the Father General to arrange for a Pontifical Seminary to be opened in Dalat.
In 1956 the first Jesuits expelled from China arrived in Saigon and a year later the community in Saigon was a reality. At the same time they assumed the direction of the Seminary in Dalat. Apostolic activity continued until 1975, when following political events foreign missionaries were told to leave the country. At the end of 1975 in Vietnam the Society of Jesus 11 priests, 10 scholastics, 1 brother, 4 novices and 15 candidates. The order's property was confiscated, several Jesuits were put in prison and they suffered because of the regime. Today in 2007, the new Province of Vietnam has 134 members: 38 priests, 45 scholastics, 20 brothers, 31 novices and 150 candidates. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/7/2007; righe 26
