TP.HCM, Ho Chi Minh City (2025)

07/12/2024

Cardinal Tagle: True messengers of God are companions, not opponents

Table of Contents

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Vatican News

Every 10 years, the silver coffin containing the relics of St. Francis Xavier is brought from the Shrine of the Good Lord to the Goa Cathedral and displayed for 45 days for veneration by the faithful.

In his homily, Cardinal Tagle invited the faithful to become authentic messengers of the Gospel in today’s world, demonstrating God’s love humbly and fervently.

Humble messenger

Compared to the messengers of God in the Bible, those who were called by God, who realized their smallness before the greatness of the Lord who called and the greatness of the mission, the Cardinal emphasizing that authentic messengers “do not express themselves, promote or advertise themselves.” , don’t seek to be chosen, don’t create your own message… True messengers rejoice because they are not the only ones called by Jesus: on the journey, they are the ones

Only love is important

The Cardinal further explained that the Gospel is Christ.

The saint enthusiastically preached the Gospel amid difficulties, and carried only the books necessary for prayer and catechism.

Cardinal Tagle concluded: “Only love, that is important.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

07/12/2024

Notice December 1: Stand straight and raise your head

Table of Contents

Dear brothers and sisters, Good Sunday!

Today’s liturgical Gospel (Luke 21,25-28,34-36), the first Sunday of Advent, tells us about the fluctuations of the universe as well as human worries and fears.

Jesus invites:raise your headINkeep your heart light and alert.

Indeed, many people of Jesus’ time, witnessing catastrophic events around them – persecution, conflict, natural disasters – were shocked and thought the end of the world was coming.

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus’ advice is also very important for us: “do not let your hearts be heavy” (v. 34).

So let us ask ourselves: is my heart weighed down by sadness, fear and anxiety about the future?

Let us now invoke the Virgin Mary, who is ready to accept God’s plan even in times of trial.

——–

After the Angelus, the Pope recalled that these days the 40th anniversary of the Agreement of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile is being celebrated thanks to the mediation of the Holy See.

He expressed joy that a ceasefire in Lebanon had recently been achieved and hoped that this ceasefire would be respected by all sides, so that people in conflict-affected areas – including Lebanese and Israelis – can return home safely, with valuable support. of the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeeping forces.

He also called on Lebanese politicians to quickly elect a new president and help state institutions restore normal operations, carry out necessary reforms and stabilize their country as an example of Harmony between religions is guaranteed.

He also hopes that this peace can lead to a ceasefire on all other fronts, especially in Gaza.

At the same time, he also expressed concern and sadness over the ongoing bloody conflict in Ukraine, after nearly 3 years of a series of casualties in terms of deaths, injuries, violence and destruction.

He invited everyone to think about the coming winter, which could worsen the situation for millions of displaced people.

He then sent a warm greeting to all the faithful in Rome, to pilgrims from Italy and other countries.

Finally, he wished everyone a good Sunday and a peaceful Advent.

Dear brothers and sisters, Good Sunday!

22/11/2024

The Synod on Synod has ended but the process continues

Table of Contents

Bishop Luis Marin De San Martin

Vatican News

According to him, the second session of the Synod has ended, but synodality is a constitutive dimension of the Church.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Synod noted that this dimension is not an achievement or something achieved, but is present and always present.

For the Bishop, the final document is not a manual of measures or a set of laws, but a document that opens doors, shows paths to follow and encourages processes of implementation. appear at different speeds, developments and specific manifestations.

The Bishop explained that over the past four years, he has tried to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit to discern how to be faithful to God, how to live and bear witness to the Gospel in today’s world.

He also sees this as an opportunity for profound renewal, born of the experience of the Risen Christ, while looking forward to mission in today’s world, embracing cultural diversity and different challenges, but always community.

Revising canon law according to the “key of harmony”

Regarding the proposal to amend the ecclesiastical law of the final document according to the “key to communion”, Bishop Marin stated that the Code of Canon Law is a practical tool.

“The request to amend the 1983 Code of Canon Law, taking into account current developments in ecclesiology, is required to be able to introduce forms, structures and procedures according to the key to communion,” he explained.
Among the topics considered, Bishop Marin mentioned the mandatory nature of diocesan and parish pastoral councils;

Increasing participation: “it is not a matter of secularizing the clergy or clericalizing the laity”

Another consequence of the Synod on Synod is the need for greater lay participation in “decision-making processes” and this must be done through the new structures and organizations of the Synod copper.
For the Bishop, the participation of the laity is not a concession “but a consequence of baptism”, so the laity must accept all corresponding responsibilities, not secularizing the clergy or clergy turn laity.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Synod emphasized that every baptized person “must feel involved in the life and mission of the Church and participate in the process of discernment to make decisions, to seek the good beautiful for the Church.

Authority to serve

Referring to the words of Pope Francis, he pointed out that this model is neither a pyramid, nor a sphere, but a polyhedron.

Bishop Marín emphasized the need to clarify decision-making processes and co-responsibility, since there are cases where the decision belongs only to the bishop or pastor and others can make decisions in other cases.

However, there is a need to clarify the decision-making process and co-responsibility.

There is nothing preventing women from holding office in the Roman Curia

Regarding women’s participation in the Church, according to Bishop Marín, the document proposes above all that “women should accept their proper role in the Church, including participation in ministries of ministries”, noting that until recently, “surprisingly, the parishioners of ministries” were limited to men”.
The Bishop emphasized that the same applies to positions of responsibility, which “can be filled by lay people, whether male or female”.
In the Roman Curia there are already women in the secretariat of various organs and nothing prevents them from presiding over others in the future, as lay people currently do.

Regarding paragraph 60 of the final document of the Synod, he said that this paragraph also raises the issue of diaconia, that is, an ordained ministry and not a lay ministry.

Bishop Marín emphasized in this regard that it is important to note that this does not mean access to priesthood and episcopacy;

Liturgical celebration as an expression of communion

One of the paragraphs that received the most negative votes was paragraph 27 on “studying how to transform liturgical rites into expressions of communion.”

“Given the importance of the relationship between liturgy and communion, the congress proposed the creation of a study group with the task of transforming liturgical celebrations into more expressions of communion,” the Bishop said. .

Overcome power mentality and develop services

The Deputy Secretary-General also noted that the Session had asked for clarification on the criteria for selecting bishops and how the local Church should participate in the selection process.

In this direction, he believes it is necessary to overcome the mentality of power and develop service.

However, he emphasized that there are practical problems, especially in large dioceses, where knowledge about potential candidates is limited.

The principles are clear: open consultation and allow greater participation.

The treasure of faith is immutable and immutable

The Bishop affirmed that for those of good will who fear changes in doctrine, they see that this fear is unwarranted.

The Deputy Secretary General concluded: “The process of communion originates from the action of the Holy Spirit and necessarily requires conversion of heart.

Bishop Luis Marin De San Martin

20/11/2024

Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine: 1,000 days of war, the death toll is increasing

Table of Contents

Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine

Vatican News

Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas also spoke of frustration with the ability of international agencies to solve problems and the trust fostered by the work of a Church that constantly inspires hope and is close to who have endured Russian military aggression for too long.

Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas’ conversation with Vatican media took place after Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukrainian territory, in which more than 200 missiles and drones were mainly used to attack. infrastructure.

**Archbishop Kulbokas, in order to help people cultivate hope, it is necessary to ease their pain by accompanying them in realizing the meaning of this situation.

– I am thinking not only of those living in the territories under the control of the Ukrainian government, but also of those outside these territories and especially of prisoners.

I have heard many stories about volunteers bringing medicine to soldiers and often heard soldiers say, “You are like Jesus to me because you went so far to bring me medicine.”

** What do Ukrainians think about the days that have passed since Russia began its invasion?

– The war has lasted too long and people have a sense of distrust.

**What is the humanitarian situation like in this country?

– There are many different needs.

** In your opinion, are there any aspects of the Church’s service that stand out especially in the context of war?

– Of course there will be many different aspects that need to be addressed.

** He met many relatives – parents, wives, children, siblings – of prisoners of war and missing persons.

– Relatives naturally need a lot of emotional support.

There are also Church initiatives aimed at preparing priests and Caritas volunteers to support these people.

** Dear Archbishop, is there anything else you would like to share?

– I would like to add that it is a joy to see that groups of people from many different countries continue to come here: from Italy, Poland, France, Germany.

Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine

19/11/2024

Pope asks the Church of Rome to help solve the housing crisis

Table of Contents

Vatican News

In a letter written on November 8 and published by the Holy See press office a week later, the Pope wrote: “On the occasion of the Holy Year, I ask my diocese to provide concrete signs of concern. The case of housing shows that in addition, to welcome the arriving pilgrims, forms of protection are also in place for those who do not have a home or are at risk of losing their home.

The Pope’s letter is addressed specifically to “religious superiors, legitimate representatives of church organizations, pastors and clergy”, asking that church organizations in Rome should contribute properties to alleviate the city’s housing crisis.

“Signs of charity and solidarity are needed to create hope for the thousands of people in the city of Rome who live in difficult housing conditions,” he continued.

In a report published in July, Caritas Roma said that although there are “between 120,000 and 150,000 empty apartments in Rome,” at least 22,000 people are living on the streets and thousands more are simply not living on the streets. can pay.

The Pope said that national and municipal authorities and various organizations are trying to help the homeless and that the Church must contribute.

He said social services and professional agencies will take care of those provided with shelter, while voluntary associations will help ensure they get the necessary companionship and care.

The Pope concluded the letter by expressing gratitude “for your generosity and for all that you have done to communicate God’s love and create hope in the lives of everyone, especially those who need help the most.”

Vatican News

18/11/2024

Annunciation November 17: What passes away and what remains

Table of Contents

Vatican News

Advice from the Holy Father before reciting the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters, Good Sunday!

In today’s Gospel Liturgy, Jesus describes a tribulation: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will no longer give its light” (Mark 13:24).

We stop at this description:something passesINwhat’s left.

Firstly,what passes.

At the same time, Jesus tells us aboutwhat’s left.

Dear brothers and sisters, even in tribulation, crisis, failure, the Gospel invites us to look at life and history without fear of losing what has ended, but to rejoice in what remains. again.

So let us ask ourselves: are we attached to earthly things that pass away, or to the Word of God that remains eternal and leads us to eternity?

And let us pray together to the Most Holy Virgin: Mary, who entrusted herself completely to the Word of God, to intercede for us.

—-

After the Angelus, the Pope reminded that today we celebrate the World Day of the Poor, with the theme “The prayer of the poor to the Lord” (Sir 21:5).

The Holy Father also remembered all fishermen, on the occasion of World Fishing Day, celebrated this Thursday: May Mary, Star of the Sea, protect fishermen and their families.

Finally, he asked everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan.

Vatican News

17/11/2024

The Pope receives participants in the Vatican Library Conference

Table of Contents

Vatican News

Based on the purpose of the Conference: The Vatican Library wants to open dialogue with the world, the Pope told conference participants, including philanthropists and representatives of 23 major libraries in the world. , that the Vatican Institute wants to enter into dialogue with friendly organizations on this issue. some key points, offering research that he hopes can continue to enrich each other.

With the development of technology helping library operations become faster but also posing the risk of difficulty in controlling and high costs of managing paper collections, the Pope encouraged those working in libraries to continue continue to work to make these places places of peace. .

To support this commitment, the Holy Father said that he wanted to entrust the four criteria he proposed to everyoneEvangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel

Firstly:Time transcends space.

Monday:Unity prevails over conflict.

Tuesday:Reality is more important than ideas.

Wednesday:The whole is greater than the parts.

Finally, the Holy Father encouraged everyone not to be afraid of the complexity of the world in which we are called to work.

Vatican News

16/11/2024

Pope: Craftsmen give people hope

Table of Contents

Vatican News

The Pope admitted that crafts are very dear to him because this activity clearly demonstrates the value of human labor.

To further explain this idea, the Pope referred to the parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25, 14-30) about the master assigning servants to each person according to their ability to make a profit. Surname.

“This parable is a hymn to trust in God,” said the Pope, “and an invitation to an active, healthy ‘complicity’ with Him, which makes us part of His goodness and trust in your responsibility.

The Pope advises setting aside the fear that paralyzes and destroys creativity.

Concluding his speech, the Pope praised those who worked manually to help a world dominated by war, looking at their work and finding hope again.

Vatican News

22/10/2024

Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Christian heritage

Table of Contents

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, not only because of its unique architecture but also because of the historical and spiritual importance of the saint. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most famous saints in Christianity, known for his humility, love of nature, and commitment to serving the poor. This church, located in Assisi, Italy, was built to honor him and preserve his spiritual legacy for future generations. This article will explore the life of St. Francis, the architecture of the church, and the importance of the Christian legacy he left behind.

Illustrations.

1. Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182–1226) was born into a wealthy family in the city of Assisi, Italy. Initially, he lived a life of luxury and enjoyment, but after a period of reflection and experiencing many events, Francis decided to give up all property and follow God’s call. He spent his whole life living in humility, loving nature and serving the poor.

Francis is best known for founding the Franciscan Order, an ascetic and humble religious order that focuses on living simply, renouncing possessions, and caring for the poor. He also had a deep connection with nature and considered all living things to be his brothers and sisters, this is shown through the classic work “Canticle of the Creatures”, where Francis enshrined Glory to all God’s creatures.

With his virtuous life and unconditional love for all people, Saint Francis has become a symbol of compassion, humility and love of nature in Christianity. In 1228, two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built to honor him and became a place to preserve the spiritual legacy he left behind.

2. St. Francis of Assisi Church

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in 1228 shortly after the death of St. Francis, is one of the most important structures in Christianity. This church is located on a hill in Assisi and consists of two main parts: the upper church (Upper Basilica) and the lower church (Lower Basilica), with a crypt containing the remains of St. Francis.

The upper church is designed in Gothic style, with splendid stained glass windows and frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, done by famous artists such as Giotto and Cimabue. These frescoes are not only artistic masterpieces but also a valuable source of documents about the life and mission of St. Francis, from his childhood to his founding of the Franciscan Order and his service to the poor.

The lower church has a quiet atmosphere and a more classical Roman style, a place for pilgrims to pray and reflect on the life of St. Francis. The crypt where his remains are kept is the main destination for millions of pilgrims each year, who come to pay their respects and pray. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, for its architectural value and historical importance in Christianity.

3. The Spiritual Legacy of Saint Francis

The legacy of St. Francis lies not only in the founding of the Franciscan Order but also in the values of life he left to the Church and the world. He became a symbol of renunciation of material things, living humbly and loving unconditionally. For many people, St. Francis is an example of compassion, always caring for the abandoned and loving all of God’s creation.

St. Francis’ love for nature and all living things has also had a profound influence on the way Christianity views the environment. He is considered the “patron saint of the environment and ecology”. Saint Francis’s thoughts on respecting and protecting nature have become a source of inspiration for many current environmental protection movements. Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” on the environment and climate change, published in 2015, was also inspired by the spiritual legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis also left behind a great spiritual legacy of love and service to the poor. He spent his whole life living in poverty, sharing and helping those in difficulty. This spirit of service became a core value of the Franciscan Order and continues to influence thousands of friars and missionaries around the world.

4. The Importance of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Christianity

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is not only a religious structure but also a symbol of faith, humility and service in Christianity. This is where Christians from around the world come to pray, find peace of mind, and learn from the life and legacy of St. Francis.

The church also plays an important role in maintaining and spreading Franciscan values, which include humility, love, and care for the poor. The Franciscans of Assisi not only preserve the legacy of St. Francis but also continue his work through serving the community and teaching about compassion and sacrifice.

A pilgrimage to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a spiritual journey where the faithful can reflect on the life of St. Francis, learn more about the Christian faith and be encouraged to live a life of love and serve. With its historical, cultural and spiritual importance, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi has become a major symbol in the Christian world.

5. The Influence of Saint Francis in Modern Society

Saint Francis of Assisi not only has a profound influence in the Catholic Church but also in modern society. His ideas of humility, love and environmental protection have become a source of inspiration for many individuals and movements around the world. The values that St. Francis left behind such as renunciation of material things, charity and love for nature become even more important in a context where the world is facing problems such as climate change and inequality. social equality.

Many charitable organizations, environmental protection movements and social activities today still draw inspiration from the life of St. Francis, especially in protecting the vulnerable and caring for the environment. He is a model for a simple lifestyle, giving up material possessions to live closer to nature and people around him.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is an iconic building in Christianity, not only because of its unique architecture but also because of the profound spiritual legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. The saint’s life and legacy have left a great influence, not only in the Church but also in modern society. From his humility, his compassion, to his love for nature, Saint Francis has become an inspiration for millions of people around the world. A pilgrimage to this church is a spiritual experience, where the faithful can find peace, strengthen their faith, and learn from the legacy of one of the greatest saints in Christian history. .

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, not only because of its unique architecture but also because of

20/10/2024

The value of respect and love for family

Table of Contents

Family is always the solid foundation of each individual and society. Respect and love in the family not only help maintain harmonious relationships but also strengthen the bond between members. Love and respect are two core elements that help build a happy family, where everyone feels loved, listened to and supported. This article will explore the value of respect and love in the family, how they affect daily life and the benefits they bring to the development of each individual as well as society as a whole. .

Illustrations.

1. The Meaning of Respect in the Family

Respect in the family is the foundation of a strong and happy relationship. Respect is not simply about maintaining politeness but also about how we show understanding, empathy and concern for the feelings and thoughts of others. In the family, respect is the key to creating a loving and peaceful environment, where each member feels valued and valued.

Mutual respect among family members helps build trust and encourages everyone to share honestly with each other. When parents respect their children, they not only show concern for their children’s needs and desires but also help them develop confidence and self-esteem. Similarly, when children respect their parents, they learn to listen and understand their parents’ role in guiding and educating them.

Respect is also shown in the way we resolve conflicts. In every family relationship, conflict is inevitable. However, respect will help family members know how to listen, sympathize and find solutions peacefully instead of imposing or arguing. Saint Paul wrote: “Honor one another, and love one another as brothers” (Romans 12:10), emphasizing the importance of respect in all relationships.

2. The Importance of Family Love

Love is the glue that connects family members together. It is the source of attachment and creates spiritual strength for the family. Love is expressed not only through great actions but also through small daily gestures, words and care. Every act of love, no matter how small, has a great impact on the spirit and emotions of the members, helping everyone feel comforted, supported and encouraged in life.

Love in family is not just a temporary feeling but a long-term commitment. This is unconditional love, requiring no perfection or immediate response. Parents love their children not only for their children’s achievements but also for their existence, because they are a gift from God. Similarly, children love their parents not because they are perfect but because they have devoted all their love and sacrifices to their children.

Jesus taught: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34), emphasizing that love is not only an emotion but also a concrete action. In the family, love is expressed through helping each other, sharing joys and sorrows, and being willing to forgive when there are misunderstandings or mistakes.

3. Benefits of Respect and Love in the Family

Respect and love bring many practical benefits to the family, not only creating harmony but also helping members develop comprehensively both physically and mentally. When respected and loved, each family member will feel safe, supported and encouraged to express themselves. This helps them develop confidence and the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts effectively.

A family built on a foundation of respect and love will be a place where each member can return after the fatigue and stress of life and find peace and joy. Respect and love also help create a positive environment for raising children, helping them learn moral values and develop into responsible and caring adults.

Family is where people learn core values such as kindness, patience, and forgiveness. These values not only help families live happily but also contribute to building a civilized and compassionate society. As Jesus taught: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), love and respect are not only for the family but also spread to society, making for the world to become better.

4. Practice Respect and Love in the Family

To practice respect and love in the family, each member needs to show listening and understanding to each other. This requires us to take the time to care, share and listen to each other’s thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism. When there are differences of opinion, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes to better understand what they are going through.

Respect and love are also shown through small actions such as helping each other with housework, spending time together, and participating in family activities together. For parents, teaching children how to respect and love others is an important part of educating them to become ethical and responsible adults.

Besides, forgiveness is also an important factor in maintaining respect and love in the family. Everyone in the family can make mistakes, but forgiving and accepting each other will help create a harmonious family environment where everyone can learn and grow from their mistakes.

5. Building a Strong Family Through Respect and Love

Building a strong family based on respect and love is not easy, but it is a process that requires effort from all members. A happy family is not only where everyone feels loved but also where everyone respects each other, knows how to listen, share and support each other in all situations.

Practicing respect and love in the family not only helps members live happily but also helps them develop life skills, the ability to face challenges in life and create social relationships. healthy. Respect and love are a solid foundation for the family to not only be a safe haven but also a place to develop oneself and the Christian faith.

Love your family

Respect and love in the family are two core values that help maintain a strong and happy family relationship. Through practicing respect and love, family members not only live in harmony but also learn to treat each other with kindness, understanding and tolerance. Family is an important foundation of society, and when the family is built on these values, each individual and society can develop in peace and love.

Family is always the solid foundation of each individual and society. Respect and love in the family not only help maintain harmonious relationships but also