ASIA/VIETNAM – “Strengthening communion”, central theme of the new pastoral year in the Church of Vietnam

ASIA/VIETNAM: “Strengthening Communion” is the central theme of the Church of Vietnam’s new pastoral year

Hanoi (Agenzia Fides). – “Strengthening community” is the central pastoral message that the Bishops in Vietnam have indicated for the Vietnamese Church for 2023. This is what we found in the “General letter to the community of God” that was released by the episcopate at the conclusion of the assembly in Hanoi. It brought together 27 Bishops from the country. Fides received a letter from Bishops Joseph Chi Linh, President and Secretary General of Vietnam Bishops’ Conference. The letter invited all Christian communities to live in a spirit that is inclusive and synodal, according the synodal path announced by Pope Francis. All 27 Vietnamese dioceses have adopted it. “Consultation meetings of the People of God were held at all levels of the church, district, religious, and diocesan. This process was enthusiastically attended by a large number of believers. It gives an overview of the Catholic Church’s life in Vietnam through the synodal process.” it emphasizes.
The synodal spirit shouldn’t be restricted to a specific time. It “needs be continued” and “promoted in the life of local Church,” the Bishops state, defining the pastoral plan for the next three-years: 2023 will see the Church “strengthen Communion”, 2024 will be focusing on community life, 2025 will be about “Proclaiming Jesus Christ together”.
The text recommends some spiritual and pastoral practices to “strengthen communion” as a way to reflect on the pastoral year just begun. To promote the Word of God’s permeation in all aspects of life, it is important to encourage personal reading of the Bible and sharing it with others in small groups or families.
It is said that the Eucharist is a source and means of communion. Receiving the Body and Blood Christ Jesus, we are in communion and united with the Lord (cf. 1 Cor 10: 16-17 It is therefore important that the faithful attend Mass actively to strengthen their communion with God and each other in Christ. It is also important that the faithful are able to better understand the Liturgy. This is what Pope Francis, in his Apostolic letter on Liturgical Formation for The People of God (Desiderio Desideravi), of 29 June 2022, urged.
The Vietnamese Prelates conclude that “communion” in the Church can also be expressed through mutual affection, sincere listen in community, and acts charity among the faithful and towards other people, even if they don’t share the same faith. “Take care of the elderly, persons with disabilities, people in marital difficulties, people who live far away, and those affected by natural disasters. Jesus’ teachings are centered on charity. He teaches us that when we help the needy, we also help the Lord (cf. The Letter notes that Mt 25: 31-46 is the correct number.
The new communication tools and technologies that can cause damage by publishing unverified information, spreading disinformation, are also mentioned. “Those working in mass media should pay attention and observe ethics and conscience, following the principle: Proclaim the Truth in Charity. The text states that communication must be used to build friendships.
“We are called upon to constant conversion. Conversion is a prerequisite for understanding how to listen, discern and meet God’s will. Let us pray for the unity of believers all over the world, to live Faith together in Christ and build the Mystical Bodi of Christ,” concludes Bishops of Vietnam. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2022)

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