ASIA/VIETNAM - Lunar New Year in the name of solidarity and sharing

Friday, 28 January 2022 festivity catholic church solidarity

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Ho Chi Minh city (Agenzia Fides) - Tet, the "Lunar New Year" which is celebrated on February 1st, is the biggest holiday of the year for the Vietnamese. During these days, people across the country prepare to experience the Tet holiday, both physically and spiritually. On this occasion, many social and religious organizations donate food and money to the poor so that everyone can enjoy the happy and warm atmosphere of the Tet holiday. "The path we must follow and practice to be united in Jesus is to relate and share with everyone, especially the poor, as our Savior did", says to Fides Fr. Joseph Pham Ba Lam, priest of the parish of Hoa Hung, belonging to the archdiocese of Ho chi minh city. The parish priest and the faithful of the community brought gifts to 166 poor families in the days leading up to Tet so that they could buy food and clothes to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Father Peter Huynh Phuc Hau, parish priest of the O Mon Church in Can Tho diocese, also called on his parish community to join hands in helping the poor, to bring the joy of Spring to all, saying: "You parishioners can save a small part of your family expenses to help the vulnerable, the homeless, the lonely and weak elderly, the chronically ill. All your help is a precious and meaningful gift for them in this special moment". With the aim of helping many poor families celebrate a happy new year, the 49-year-old priest hopes: "There will be many kind hearts who come together to bring the warmth of charity". The desire to bring others a joyful and welcoming atmosphere on the occasion of the Lunar New Year is widespread throughout the country, and in Catholic parishes and dioceses it takes on a special character, associated with faith in Christ. Bishops, parish priests and Catholic leaders do not fail to spread messages of good wishes for a new year full of health and filled with the blessings of God. According to Vietnamese tradition, the Tet holiday is an opportunity to visit friends and relatives to share love and friendship. Therefore, religious associations, government organizations and communities all over Vietnam exchange visits to consolidate friendship and solidarity. During a Tet meeting with dignitaries of different religions in Danang city on January 24, the chairman of the Danang people's committee expressed his sincere thanks to Christian organizations for their contribution to society in a difficult time due to Covid-19. For Vietnamese Catholics, the atmosphere of sharing during the Lunar New Year is an extension of the spirit experienced during the Christmas season, which saw non-Christian civil and religious leaders visit homes, bishoprics and parishes to wish good luck to Catholics. The civil authorities have repeatedly stressed that the full participation of Catholics in the social life of the nation, in all circumstances, is a benefit for the nation, and have recalled that "the faithful not only adore God, but also love their nation ". The spirit of solidarity, which is an integral part of the national tradition and contributes to the country's prosperity and collective well-being, is particularly appreciated. The permanent vice-president of the National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, visiting in recent weeks the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City and then the Episcopal House of the diocese of My Tho, recalled: "In 2021, our country has had to face many difficulties and challenges, especially because of Covid-19. Economic and productive activities have been seriously damaged. In this situation, many religious institutes, religious orders and parishes have done their utmost to make themselves available both in the health sector, for the care of patients, as well as assistance to the poor, the unemployed and the newly poor. This commitment has shown the face of Catholicism that has helped people overcome difficulties. We hope that these works of compassion will continue to be promoted".
Msgr. Nguyen Van Kham, Bishop of My Tho, thanking the civil authorities, confirmed that the "Catholic community is working together to build the country, to make it more prosperous and more beautiful".
Msgr. Joseph Nguyen Nang, Archbishop of Ho chi minh he assured the Catholic faithful that they will continue to contribute, through fervent prayers and works of mercy and charity, to the development of the nation. (AD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/1/2022)