Hanoi: Church presses ahead despite obstacles by regime
A youth from the capital said discrimination in society made it difficult for him to find work. However he added that nothing on earth could keep him away from the love of Christ.
Hanoi (AsiaNews) The Church in Vietnam is persevering along the path of dedication to others and especially caring for those who are marginalized despite continuous problems caused by the Communist regime and discrimination in society.
A youth from Hanoi, who remains anonymous for security reasons, told AsiaNews that for him "it is difficult to find a job because of the tough economic situation in the country but especially because of discrimination against Catholics".
He added: "In any case, I am not discouraged and I am keeping my faith strong because I want to testify to the Gospel in our Socialist society: no persecution or discrimination can keep me away from the Church or from the love of Jesus".
Another boy from the same parish said: "In our tradition, we have always been very involved in the social sector, in favour of the poor and marginalized."
Br Anh said: "I have worked for a long time with drug addicts and I try to pray with them, to get them to work together and to share all aspects of their lives. One of them told me that thanks to our work, now he wants to follow 'the brothers of Christ' in their work."
A local priest said: "I have always tried to keep close to me the teaching of Don Bosco about youth, who need food but also love. Here we have rice camps, what is missing is shepherds of the soul. But I am optimistic because 64 years of rigid controls by the regime have not stopped the development of the Church which, even if slowly, continues."
Catholics in Vietnam officially number 5.6 million. The Church and religions are submitted to near-total controls. The government tends to apply the brakes to religious freedom and evangelization but emphasizes Catholics' commitment to education and care of the sick and lepers.
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