Hanoi (Fides Service) - The Catholic community in Vietnam has welcomed the decision of the government to allow Hanoi Major Seminary to accept more new students every year. Prior to this change the college could take in new seminarians only every two years and in limited number.
This step forward is a result of patient dialogue and improving relations between the country’s political authorities and the Vatican. Hanoi Seminary is important because it takes students from 10 different dioceses. It is the largest of six Catholic seminaries in Vietnam, all restricted with regard to numbers of students.
Despite restrictions vocations are flourishing. Many young men are drawn to a life of service to the Catholic community and society in general. In this situation formation for competent teaching staff is a priority for the local Church. Another concern is the plight of Catholics in the north of the country, where clergy and religious are few and a priest often has to provide pastoral care for people living at great distances one from the other.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/9/2005 righe 23 parole 232)