LONDON - 1 February 2008 - 230 words
Vietnam: after 40 days of prayer, government returns confiscated church property
In an open letter dated February 1,
Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet of Hanoi officially confirms
the concession from government to return the nunciature and praises
the solidarity of Catholics in Vietnam and around the world.
The Archbishop writes that since December 18, thousands of Catholics
in Hanoi and other dioceses have been organizing daily prayer
vigils outside the former nunciature in Hanoi, pleading for return
of the building that was confiscated by the Communist leadership
in 1959. Their protest has resulted in a stunning victory with
the agreement from the government to turn the building over to
Church leaders.
During 40 days of protest, "We have lived a new Pentecost." the prelate writes. "We have been united and devoted ourselves to the prayers despite challenges and hardship".
The prelate goes on to express his appreciation to the solidarity which "is not limited within the archdiocese of Hanoi but extended world wide". Daily reports in various languages from Asia-News, Catholic News Agency, Catholic World News, Independent Catholic News, VietCatholic News Agency and other news agencies has drawn great attention of Catholics around the world. The protest also has garnered international media attention with extensive coverage by secular media.
In particular, the prelate thanks the Holy Father and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's Secretary of State, who have closely and attentively followed events in the diocese. He trusts that the Holy See will always raise its voice for the legitimate aspirations of Vietnamese Catholics before the government.
Calling challenges of the protest and the hardship that Hanoi clergy and faithful have faced during the protest in cold rains and biting winds, the prelate praises the sentiments of fervent devotion and deep attachment to the Church, the deep loving relationship between pastor and flock, amicable relations between faithful, and devout prayers to the Lord. He appreciates them as "a gift of grace from the Lord".
In conclusion, the prelate thanks all people in Vietnam and around the world for their prayers and their support and wishes them a very happy new lunar year filled abundantly with Lord's grace.
J.B. An Dang
© Independent Catholic News 2008
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