Yao Phu, young people on mission in the forests and highlands
Kontum (AsiaNews) – They work in the depths of the forests or in the remote reaches of the mountains, bringing the Gospel and social support. It is the Yao Phu association, founded by Fr. Alexandre de Rhodes on the 27 April 1630 in the North Vietnam and July 31 South.
Father Son, a priest from the diocese of Kontum, tells AsiaNews that “it is an original idea. It is dedicated to teaching catechism and pastoral activities for minority people. The role of Yao Phu IS highly important in Vietnam, so I liaise with the Church in its support of the association. Yao Phu members are working hard in the deep forest, and remote mountainous areas to bring the Gospel to minorities. They face great difficulties, but with enthusiasm. So we, Catholics and the church should support and help them in their mission, because they have had a great impact on the growth of the Church in Vietnam”.
Yao Phu, are young religious who have a great devotional capacity to the missionary Church. They have been educated and prepared to teach catechism, following people one by one.
Now, in the remote forests there are numerous parishes, such as Dak-to, with thousands of faithful who are aided in their pastoral activities and understanding of the Bible. In Plei Rôngol there are young and old, children who are committed and active in their community. Yao Phu, aids more than 100thousand people, it is responsible for their families, by carrying out social work.
“Yao Phu members – explains Fr. Son – are young men and women. They want to do something for their people, helping them to avoid the chains of bad habits such as alcohol, while at the same time promoting a better way of life. They are missionaries who belong to the Church”.
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