Reflections on the Vietnam visit

Webmaster • July 14, 2023

A simple parish shrine to four of the many thousands of Vietnamese Martyrs


Fr Marco, our superior general, bishop Charles from New Zealand and myself were so happy to be in Vietnam about the centre of the very green country near the city of Vihn. In this area is the home of Sean who is our student staying at St Peter’s. We visited Sean’s family as well as that of Khuong and Cong. I have written about the Festival of the first Mass of Khuong’s brother Thien which was a grand affair in the grounds of the parish under a large marquee. Mass then refreshments. The music and singing was most uplifting and there were many priests and the local bishop. Our friend from New Zealand bishop Charles was also there along with our Father General of the Rosminians Fr Marco. The weather was inviting so in the early evening a group went to the beach 15 miles away for a warm swim. The Vietnamese people give us a warm welcome everywhere and the local churches in this rural area are large and beautiful. In one part of a village the Catholic homes will often fly a papal flag and the communist homes a red one. Living in a controlled state seems to keep the Faith very much alive. ‘Look at the flags’, says Khuong’s brother to us, ‘we know our enemy but you in the west do not know yours.’ And perhaps he is right that silent secularism is all around us and as such is much more powerful.


Fr. Chris

By Webmaster May 11, 2026
PLEASE CONSIDER donating the following base ingredients as needed by the St Vincent de Paul Society: Sugar Oil Flour Tea Coffee Dried beans, Chickpeas, Peas Pasta & Rice  Thank You
By Webmaster May 11, 2026
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By Webmaster May 10, 2026
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By Webmaster May 10, 2026
Sunday 17th May 1.30pm – 5.45pm Led by Rt Rev Peter Brignall – Bishop of Wrexham Event includes Confessions, Rosary Procession, Mass, Benediction & Blessing of the Sick  For further information contact Canon Pius Augustine on 01239 612 615
By Webmaster May 10, 2026
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By Webmaster May 9, 2026
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By Webmaster April 27, 2026
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By Webmaster April 26, 2026
Torchlight Procession Belmont Abbey, Hereford Wednesday 6th May 9pm