Proclaiming the faith among Vietnamese youth in Thạch Bích
A community founded more than two centuries ago by six persecuted Catholics now has more than 8,000 members. The faith is kept alive by sharing “the joys and sorrows of all, even with non-Catholics.”
Hanoi (AsiaNews) – Thạch Bích, a parish in the Archdiocese of Hanoi, is strongly committed to passing on the faith to the new generations
Located in Bích Hòa, a municipality in Thanh Oai district, some 15 kilometers from the capital, the parish was established more than two centuries ago at a time of persecution.
In the late 18th century, during one of the many waves of persecution that mark the history of Christianity in Vietnam, a group of six Catholics fled to the countryside to save their lives.
Together with some non-Catholics they built a small village initially called Thạch Tuyền.
Loyal to their faith and God's love, they lived honestly respecting each other, bringing the Gospel to the people who lived in the poorest areas. Many of them were baptised.
During the reign of King Tự Đức (1848-1883), the village already had 600 Catholics and some missionaries came to serve this community. It was around this time that the name changed to Thạch Bích and the first church was built. Today the local parish has about 8,800 members.
“We keep alive the traditions of our community and faith in God,” some young parishioners told AsiaNews. “Fr Peter Phạm Văn Hùng and Fr Bruno Nguyễn Văn San, our priests, share the joys and sorrows of all, even with non-Catholics. They accompany us young people so that we are ready to bring the Good News to others.”
Advent marked the start of catechism for children this year; currently there are 23 classes for different age groups. The latter can also join the Eucharistic Children Association, the choir, as well as musical and sports groups.
“To recognise God's love, it is necessary to attend catechism diligently,” said Fr Bruno Nguyễn Văn San stressing the importance of education in the faith. “Thus, we can take the word of Jesus to everyone in our community and workplace.”
Catechists, he added, “are called by God to work in the field of mission. We all need to grow, to live our faith, inviting parents to collaborate at home in teaching the Scriptures and prayers to their children.”
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30/11/2021 15:48
