Message of the Holy Father to the President of the Episcopal Conference of Viet Nam

(November 26, 2009) Candles carried by tens of thousands of faithful in Vietnam on November 23^rd night illuminated the town of So Kien where the Jubilee of the local Church was officially opened. The long candle light procession was led by Archbishop Peter Nguyen Van Nhon, president of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam, followed by thirty bishops from 26 dioceses in the country, 250 priests and 600 religious in Vietnam, along with Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, vice-dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Law and several others from various countries. Pope Benedict XVI sent a special message for the occasion which also coincided with the feast of the one hundred and seventeen martyrs of the country. The Papal message said that the memory of their noble testimony will help all of God's people in Viet Nam to activate their charity, increase their hope and strengthen their faith. The Pope particularly mentioned Andre Dung Lac whose priestly virtues are the shining examples for priests and seminarians, secular and regular, in Vietnam. For the celebration the three hundred and fifty years of the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate and fifty years of the establishment of Catholic hierarchy in Viet Nam, the Pope said that they have chosen So-Kien in the Archdiocese of Ha Noi, the first Apostolic Vicariate in Vietnam. Catholicism came to this place in 1659. The Pontiff said: “The Jubilee Year is a time of grace for reconciliation with God and neighbour. For this purpose, one must recognize shortcomings of past and present, committed against brothers in faith and others and seek forgiveness. At the same time, should also be taken as a resolution to deepen and enrich ecclesial communion and to build a just, inclusive and equitable dialogue, mutual respect and good collaboration.” Pope Benedict concluded his message extending his affection to the Vietnamese faithful and with promise of his prayers for them.