Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Interview with Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Agenzia Fides) – The meeting of Asian Bishops which is set down for 2012 in Vietnam, for the first time in history, is for the faithful in Vietnam is an extraordinary opportunity to “share a unifying experience and bring a message of love to Asia.” It is also a sign of the desire of the beginnings of being able to breathe in this Country, where Christians are called to “shine the light of Christ,” said Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, host city for the next General Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). The local Church will make the properties of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre and Seminary in Xuan Loc available to accommodate over 100 delegates from 15 member countries of the FABC. The Federation - say Fides sources - strongly wanted Vietnam to host this, to give a sign of support, fellowship and closeness to the faithful of the Asian Churches to the Vietnamese faithful. Here is the interview given to Fides by Cardinal Pham Minh Man.
For the first time Vietnam will host the meeting of Asian Bishops: is it a sign of real change occurring in the country?
After many years in which we lived in isolation, the Vietnamese population has a desire for openness and to fit into today's world, within the dynamics of globalisation. I recently had occasion to meet with representatives from six religions, ambassadors, and the civil authorities of Ho Chi Minh City to exchange new year greetings and I announced the Word of Jesus: “The Son of God, incarnate in humanity, has come to bring peace.” This is essential for everyone. It is a gift that we want to communicate to all. With peace everyone has the strength to live in brotherhood, to live together in the global village, despite the difficulties of seeming to be a lone family.
What could this meeting mean for the Church in Vietnam?
The meeting of Asian Bishops in Vietnam will be an opportunity for Vietnamese Catholics to unite with the faithful from across Asia, to share their experience and witness of the Word of God and to carry a message of love to Asia. It will be an opportunity to announce the Gospel of Christ, so we are all united as one family, so that we can build a culture of life and a society of love for Asian peoples.
What do you suggest to the faithful in preparation for the event?
In the lead-up to the even, every priest, religious and lay person, in every diocese, should do two things: first of all, pray, because prayer is the key to every activity; asking that the Holy Spirit gives us light and strength to do the will of the Heavenly Father, so that all people may have grace in abundance and be strengthened. Secondly, we should try to be united and in communion. We are called to overcome “the culture of death” in a society afflicted by injustice, the divide between rich and poor, by devastating social ills such as abortion, AIDS, sexual violence, and the abandonment of children. We Christians wish to build a civilisation of love, to overcome these evils, to promote a culture of life for present and future generations.
How have you welcomed the appointment of the Apostolic Nuncio “non-resident representative” for Vietnam?
I was able to express to Benedict XVI, the belief that a permanent representative of the Pope will bring new hope to the Vietnamese people. I hope that the Holy See may help the people of God in Vietnam to shine the truth and love of Christ, persevering through dialogue and through collaboration with all citizens: teachers, intellectuals, wealthy, poor, civil authorities and members of other religions. This will open the way for the Vietnamese people to overcome limitations and conflicts, crises, discontent and injustice, to ensure stability and prosperity for the Country. I think every country and every people needs the light of truth and love for its life and for sustainable development. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/2/2011)
