(DMNC) Pope Francis is greeted with joy and applause as he visits the Bethlehem Centre for the poor and homeless in Petržalka, Bratislava.

Outside the Bethlehem Centre, which is situated in Petržalka, a district of Bratislava, the community here had been preparing all day for their very special guest.

Children held Vatican and Slovak flags, and were practicing their waving stills ahead of the Pope’s arrival.

The strains of music and singing could be heard as the mini-orchestra and choir rehearsed diligently; even the parish priest, Fr Juraj Vittek got into the spirit of the occasion by playing the guitar.

From the windows of the high rise flats above the centre, residents watched attentively, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Joy for a special day

This Centre which provides care and support to the homeless and needy is run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity, and they too could be seen busying themselves with last-minute details.

Waiting to greet the Pope was Daniela Martinkovičova:  “l listen to Vatican Radio every day,” she said, going on to describe her joy at being invited to be part of this very special day.

When the Pope finally arrived he was greeted by the sisters with a garland of flowers which was placed over his head. Just above him on a wall near the centre’s entrance was a drawing of Pope Francis with an inscription, when translated read, “We don’t forget to pray for you.”

This was a private visit, but as the Pope made his way inside, he said,  “Many thanks to the Sisters for all the work they do offering welcome, help and accompaniment .” He also added, the Lord “is with us when we have moments of trial: he never abandons us, the Lord is always close to us.”

There can be no doubt this really was a day to remember for those gathered here, and certainly something to tell the grandchildren in years to come.

Vatican News

(DMNC) Letter calling for solidarity and solidarity to fight the pandemic

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Covid-19 pandemic has made the world crazy and is resurgent in Vietnam as well as in some countries in the region. How to effectively deal with this new wave of attacks?

The United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), leaders of countries and religions all say that the most effective secret is solidarity. Pope Francis affirms: “The pandemic can be overcome… But we can only succeed if we unite” (Meeting online with the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference 12-16/// 04/2021). British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on May 31, 2021, also stated that to eliminate Covid-19, it is necessary to mobilize all efforts to vaccinate globally in 2022.

In that spirit, in the name of the Cardinals and the Bishops of the Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, I call on the clergy, religious, laity, in the country as well as abroad, to hurry up and join hands. contribute and share work with all sectors of society and the Church in the fight against the pandemic.

First, see this pandemic as an opportunity to love. According to the word of God, Christians must recognize all Covid-19 victims as “neighbors” (Lk 10:28-29), willing to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15) ) whoever they are. Four Seas during brotherhood. All people are compatriots, members of the great national and human family. Catholics are not allowed to exclude, discriminate, “report” or condemn anyone who has or has not been infected.

Use your creativity to support medical research centers, collaborate with functional departments, sympathize and empower doctors and hospitals, create favorable physical and mental conditions. benefit everyone and the isolated area, helping the families of patients undergoing treatment, dying and those who are in economic hardship.

A piece of the hungry in a package when no; Healthy leaves cover torn leaves; Government interference that takes the mirror! More than ever, many people in need are waiting for you to carry out the Lord’s teaching: “Whoever welcomes his brother welcomes Me… Whoever gives one of these little ones a drink, even a little bowl of water, for he is my disciple and he will not lose his reward” (Mt 10:40-42).

As poor as Vietnam do not know how to concentrate strength to prevent, the pandemic will surely become an incurable disaster. Not enough money to take care of each person a dose of Vaccine, how and when can we stop the spread of Covid-19?

The Prime Minister, on May 26, 2021, decided to establish a Vaccine Fund and called on all social sectors to contribute (http://https//thutuong.chinhphu.vn/chi-dao/thanh) -lap-quy-vaccine-leprosy-covid19-20165.html). This is a reasonable and timely policy, which is worthy of everyone’s response, advocacy and support to the best of their ability.

As of today, June 2, 2021, up to 22 provinces and 68 districts have been infected. According to experts, the number may increase rapidly in the coming days, especially when neighboring countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos … are in danger of losing control. The risk of breaking the battle may threaten Vietnam, if we do not mobilize all our strength and the entire people to prevent it.

The most basic thing to do right away is to thoroughly comply with the 5K maxim (Masks, Disinfection, Distance, Decentralization, Declare) and prevention regulations of social authorities (Steering Committee). National Covid-19 prevention and control, Ministry of Health, authorities at all levels).

According to the announcement of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (Dispatch 657/TGCP-CG, signed on May 31, 2021, V/v continues to promote the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic), all Catholic dioceses, whether there are cases of community transmission or not, must “suspend all religious activities and activities”. The situation is different from place to place, it is necessary to have appropriate specific guidance. Please follow up to follow the instructions of the diocesan ordinaries.

Dear brothers and sisters,

In honor of Saint Joseph in 2021, Pope Francis wrote in the Apostolic Exhortation “Heart of the Father”: “Saint Joseph is invoked as protector of the unfortunate, needy, exiled, suffering and moribund”. That is the life secret of this great saint: “Find happiness not only in self-sacrifice but in self-giving”. That is also the hope and reward for us in the fight to eliminate the evil virus from the world. Believe that Saint Joseph will help us.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh
Archbishop of Hue
President of the Bishops’ Conference

(DMNC) I love you so much Saigon! – Letter of appeal from the President of the Bishops’ Conference to the Vietnamese Catholic compatriots

Dear Cardinals, Reverend Fathers and all members of the Vietnamese People of God.

Hue Bishop’s House, July 9, 2021

Ho Chi Minh City has become the country’s largest outbreak with thousands of infections every day. The Prime Minister has issued Directive 16, placing Ho Chi Minh City in a state of social distancing within 15 days from 0:00 on July 9, 2021. Having to be so drastic may be able to partially contain the spreading catastrophe. But this is a situation with many potential risks.

Never, not even during the war, has the city experienced such pressing challenges as it does today. Many tragedies are taking place more and more serious: community infection, overcrowded hospitals, exhausted doctors and medical staff, stress prevention teams, production shutdowns, limited circulation, limited materials. The city was once known as the “Pearl of the Far East”, the “economic locomotive” in danger, with a shortage of personnel, a shortage of rice, a lack of vegetables, a lack of money, a lack of medicine and a lack of future. future… Tens of thousands of old people and children selling lottery tickets, iced tea, street vendors, taxis, motorbike taxis, what will they eat if they can’t go out in the coming days? Where will factory workers dig up money if one day the factory reduces payroll or closes?

Brothers and sisters, remember: it is the people of Saigon who are in trouble today, used to rush to the road every time they heard that their compatriots here and there were in trouble… Central provinces, through the storm and flood in 2020, still record the footprints of Saigon people throughout the caves and alleys. The Vietnamese heart always whispers: a piece when hungry is equal to a packet when full; Government interference that takes the mirror; People in a country should love each other together. Good leaves cover torn leaves, less torn leaves cover more torn leaves.

More than ever, I urge my compatriots in the country to look to this lovely city, which was once a center of love before it became an outbreak. I urge overseas people to remember the commemorative sky that once echoed the song “Saigon is so beautiful, Saigon”. I call on Catholics, all members of the People of God, dioceses, religious orders, parishes, charity organizations, Charity – Caritas, unions, professions, and groups of friends to consider this a real opportunity. practice charity according to the Word of God. I urge media organizations and online communities to quickly convey this information to every known address. Please act urgently. Let’s do all we can to save our fellow brothers and sisters who are struggling with the harsh reality. Let us be silent to hear again this golden word of Jesus: “You have received freely, freely give” (Mt 10:8b).

Specifically, each diocese or community cluster, especially the Caritas levels, should urgently set up a hotline, an address to gather supplies and relief money in the area. The necessities Saigon is in need of are vegetables, agricultural products, dry food, epidemic prevention equipment (masks, antibacterial water, ventilators, oxygen tanks, rapid test kits). In addition to food, people in the city also need financial support for the poor, homeless, sidewalks, medical examination and treatment, etc.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the place to receive relief goods is: Office of the Bishops’ Conference, at 72/12 Tran Quoc Toan, Ward 8, District 3. Please contact Father Joseph Dao Nguyen Vu via the line. hot number 09.04.24.11.60. After receiving, this office will be responsible for distributing goods and money from the provinces. The office will also contact the authorities to help carry out procedures for transporting goods into the city. Account: Office of the Vietnam Bishops’ Conference, VND 0602.5831.4789; USD number 0602.5831.7699; Sacombank – Go Vap branch.

It is not known how long the current crisis will last and how it will develop. But for Christians, this is a sign of the times that requires us to stay awake to recognize the Will of God. The pandemic is devastating, but we, together with Vietnamese compatriots everywhere, at home and abroad, will build a new city and a new highway system with loving materials.

Pope Francis has directed that 2021 be the year in honor of Saint Joseph. We pray that our common father (who is convalescing at Gemelli hospital after colon surgery) recovers soon, especially with him, we entrust humanity and our people to his helping hands. Saint Joseph.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference, I wish everyone a safe passage through the pandemic.

Kind regards and best regards.

Signed and sealed

+ Joseph NGUYEN CHI LINH
Archbishop of Hue
President of the Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference

(DMNC) On the morning of Sunday, January 17, 2016, Bishop Dominic Nguyen Chu Trinh, Bishop of Xuan Loc Diocese, presided over the Inauguration Mass of Nghia Son Parish Church, Bien Hoa District, Xuan Loc Diocese.

Concelebrating with the Bishop were the Reverend Fathers, the Reverend Fathers. Father in the Diocese.

Attending the ceremony were monks and nuns, representatives of your religion, and a large number of parishioners and guests.

Nghia Son Church is about 1km from Dong Nai Bridge. In 1957, a number of families from Nghia Chinh came to settle in Long Son – Tan Van hill. Here they built the first small chapel made of bamboo and leaves, and within 10 years these people had to rebuild the place of worship four times because of the destruction caused by storms and natural disasters.

In 1960, parishioners built a small brick chapel. In 1961, the chapel had to be demolished to build the Saigon – Bien Hoa highway. After that, Father Dao Duy Du of Long Binh (Saigon) asked the government to rebuild the Long Son church and was accepted.

In 1966, Long Son family – Ngai Thang hamlet – Di An district was divided into Xuan Loc diocese. On May 19, 1966, Bishop Joseph Le Van An elevated the Long Son parish to the rank of a parish with the name of Nghia Son Parish and appointed Father Anton Nguyen Tu Dai as the first parish priest. In 1967, Father Anton Nguyen Tu Dai and the lay community embarked on the construction of a new church, inaugurated on October 29, 1969.

Father Anton Nguyen Tu Dai died in 2001, then the Bishop appointed Father Joseph Do Duc Tri as parish priest. After more than 5 years in charge, the parish’s facilities were repaired and cleaned. In mid-2006, Father Joseph was sent by the Bishop to study abroad. In early 2007, Father Joseph Nguyen Tien Thinh took care of the parish until mid-2009.

On July 10, 2009, Father Joseph Hoang Van Trung received the mission to serve Nghia Son Parish. Due to the rapid increase in the number of parishioners, he together with the community of God’s people built a new church, and today completed it to be consecrated on the occasion of Kim Khanh’s 50th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

Before the Mass, the Bishop, the Custodian of Bien Hoa and the parish priest, Father Joseph, cut the ribbon to inaugurate and then the Bishop celebrated the opening ceremony of the new church, the community of God’s people joyfully entered the church.

In his sharing, the Bishop spoke about the meaning of the church’s inauguration Mass. The church has a foundation from the Bible, a place where God’s people gather to read and share God’s Word. He emphasized the importance of the church not only as a spiritual work but also as a cultural work. With the presence of the church, the Good News of God is spread. Therefore, it will be easier for people to accept and love each other.
The bishop congratulated and praised the parish priest and the parishioners of Nghia Son for their zeal in religious life. He urged everyone to try their best to pray and worship God in a way that is suitable for the new church and advised everyone to live stronger faith in the presence of many immigrant brothers and sisters.

Following the homily and prayer with the saints, the Bishop placed the remains of the four martyrs at the altar:
1. Saint Philip Phan Van Minh, priest, born in 1815 in Vinh Long, martyred on July 3, 1853 at the age of 38.
2. Saint Peter Nguyen Van Luu, priest, born in 1812 in Go Vap, Gia Dinh, was martyred on April 7, 1961 in My Tho.
3. Saint Joseph Nguyen Van Luu, layman, born in 1790 in Cai Nhum Vinh Long, martyred on May 2, 1854 in Vinh Long.
4. Saint Matteu Le Van Gam, merchant, born in 1813, was beheaded on 11/05/1847 at Cho Quan.

And the Father blessed the new altar. From now on, the altar has been consecrated to God for the purpose of sacrifice. Mass then continued as usual.

At the end of the Mass, Parish Priest Joseph Hoang Van Trung thanked the Bishop, the Fathers, the monks and nuns, relatives, benefactors and guests who came to attend the Inauguration Mass.

At the end of the Mass, the Bishop, the Reverend, the Priests and the People of God community had a party at the church grounds.

Joseph Kong Huu Source

Xuan Loc Diocese