Vietnamese Catholics commemorate 117 martyrs as models of faith

Last updated on: November 28, 2013 at 11:09 pm by CNA Daily News

Vietnamese Catholics commemorate 117 martyrs as models of faith 2013-11-28T23:09:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ayutthaya, Thailand, Nov 28, 2013 / 04:09 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Vietnamese Catholics living in Thailand gathered on Nov. 17 to celebrate the witness of 117 canonized martyrs of their homeland.

Remembering their country's martyrs is an imperative for Vietnamese expatriates, Fr. Anthony Le Duc, secretary of the Federation of Vietnamese Catholics in Thailand, told CNA, because they are “shining examples of faith, and remind expatriates the rich heritage of their faith which was hard fought for by our ancestors.”

More than 500 Vietnamese Catholics, joined by some Thais, gathered at St. Joseph’s parish in Ayutthaya, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, for Mass, a procession, and a play.

“It is important for them to continue living and witnessing to this faith in the predominantly Buddhist country of Thailand, and to share our faith with them,” Fr. Le Duc reflected.

Bl. John Paul II canonized 117 Vietnamese martyrs in 1998. There were many waves of persecution in Vietnam from 1600 to 1900, and both clergy and laypeople were killed for their faith.

Ayutthaya was chosen as the site of the commemoration because its parish was built in 1666 by Vietnamese fleeing persecution in their country. To this day, many local Catholics are of Vietnamese ancestry.

Vietnamese Catholics have contributed to the development of Church in Thailand in the past, and newcomers can do the same for the local churches into the future when they live out their faith “enthusiastically and courageously,” said Fr. Le Duc.

Fr. James Vu, chaplain of the Federation of Vietnamese Catholics in Thailand, told CNA that it is wonderful to see that the Vietnamese youth are so excited to make this pilgrimage and to “invest their time and effort to organize this event.”

“It’s their enthusiasm that served as a gift to offer up to the Vietnamese martyrs; and seeing their display of faith is a great source of encouragement and inspiration for us priests and religious who are journeying with them.”

Sr. Theresa Huyen added, “I am proud the youth, although busy, still having great devotion to the Vietnamese martyrs, and are proud to have the opportunity to express their faith in a visible way through the play and procession.”

The play depicted the martyrs' persecution, bringing to life a representation of their suffering and faith in Christ.

“I arrived in Thailand three weeks ago, and it’s amazing to see that even in Thailand, we saw celebrations of the Vietnamese martyrs that were deeply Vietnamese in character, from the liturgy to the procession, to the songs. It is proof that no matter where the Vietnamese people live, we are able to carry on our faith,” Deacon Joseph Nguyen Van Vuong said.

“I have lived in Thailand for 10 years, but this is my first time to join in a pilgrimage,” said participant Anton Phan Tan Dung, calling it “a special occasion for us to meet each other and … share in the faith handed down to us by our ancestors.”

Le Hoang Anh, another participant, said that in Thailand “it’s not always easy for us (Vietnamese) to find a church or to attend church celebrations, and attending this celebration today made me feel so happy, because I felt like I was attending a celebration in my own country.”

Asia - Pacific

Previous Post

November 28, 2013

End times will bring greater persecution to Christians, Pope says

Next Post

November 29, 2013 Minnesota diocese to soon launch 'Year of Marriage'

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How many "types" of Psalms are often recognized (e.g., praise, lament, wisdom)?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Five or more Fifty Ten only One