In Hanoi 14 new priests are ordained, government sends mixed signals and churches are broken into
ICC Note:
The ordinations are a source of joy that temper the sadness caused by acts of larceny in nine churches, where tabernacles are destroyed, consecrated hosts thrown to the ground, and statues stolen. The city of Hanoi sends a delegation to visit the archbishop and extend Christmas greetings. Until a few weeks ago, the authorities had labelled him a “troublemaker”.
by Emily Nguyen
12/25/09 Vietnam (AsiaNews) – Mgr Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet, archbishop of Hanoi, ordained new 14 new priests in a ceremony held in the Major Seminary of the Vietnamese capital. Mgr Chu Van Minh, auxiliary bishop of Hanoi, and Mgr Joseph Nguyen Van Yen, bishop emeritus, took part in the ceremony along with 140 other priests and 5,000 worshippers. The total number of priests in the diocese now stands at 106 for 350,000 faithful and 141 parishes, about 40 without a resident priest.
Today, the new priests celebrated their first Mass in their parish of origin in the company of family and friends. However, yesterday another important event took place. At 3 pm, Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, deputy president of the People’s Committee of Hanoi, accompanied by a delegation, visited the archbishop and his auxiliary to exchange Christmas greetings.
For Catholics, this action is a symbolic attempt at reconciliation. Two years ago, in January 2008, she issued an ultimatum against the prelate, threatening him of extreme actions if he did not end demonstrations over Hanoi’s former nunciature.
Since then, the Committee has often described the prelate and some priests as “troublemakers” who incite “riots, falsely accusing the government, disrespecting the nation, breaking and ridiculing the law, and instigating followers to violate it”.
A similar campaign got underway right before the Vietnamese president visited the Pope in the Vatican.
However, unlike the past, in yesterday’s visit, Committee members praised the bishop and his congregation for their support to government initiatives.
Mgr Ngo Quang Kiet said he hoped that the visit was not merely diplomatic, but was instead a sign of “the growth of civilisation and justice,” which are “much needed for such a big city like Hanoi.”
“As Christians, spirituality allows people to be bound to one another not only superficially but also from the deepest part of their hearts,” the bishop said.
“We do so because we believe in the day when each one of us will eventually have to face God to be judged for what we’ve done in life. We are better off living our lives as straight arrows, steering away from deceptions. When you observe a Catholic’s outward expression, it is also a true reflection of what he or she is truly inside. You can rest assured that what you see is what you get. We have nothing to hide,” the prelate added.
