FRANCIS XAVIER DAO QUANG VINH, MCCJ | (The Catholic Church in Vietnam)
Since the Gospel was brought to Vietnam in the 16th century by Jesuit Portuguese missionaries, the Vietnamese Church has faced numerous challenges and endured persecution for its faith in Christ. The fruits of this faith are marked by the martyrdom of 117 Vietnamese Catholics, who gave their lives out of love for God and their fellow brothers and sisters.
On November 24, 1960, while the Church in the North fell silent under the Communist regime, unable to flourish, the Church in the South thrived under the Republican regime, developing in all aspects. Pope John XXIII responded by establishing the Vietnamese Catholic Hierarchy with three Ecclesiastical Provinces: Hanoi, Hue and Saigon. Currently, Vietnamese Catholics number approximately 7.29 million, comprising 7.21% of Vietnam’s population. There are a total of 47 bishops, over 6,000 priests, and around 200 religious orders.
Vocational Journey as a Catholic, I deeply cherish the faith passed down to me by my parents. My belief centers on the conviction that Christ is God who loves us unconditionally and sacrificed His life on the cross for the salvation of each one of us, regardless of our backgrounds, cultures, regions, or religions. Before entering religious life, I spent time working in society, where I gained valuable insights into the modern world. It was during this period that I pursued my dream of becoming a civil engineer. As an engineer, I worked for two years after graduating from college.
Life was diverse and appealing, yet I found myself increasingly drawn to the pursuit of wealth and pleasure, rather than to inner spiritual and prayerful life. This realization led me to neglect God and my own spiritual needs. Learning from this experience, a new direction emerged within me, inspired by the Holy Spirit, helping me to rediscover and deepen my understanding of my vocation. Initially uncertain about missionary life, I struggled to choose between becoming a priest or a brother. Through prayer and discernment, a guiding light emerged, leading me on a quest for the meaning of life.
Religious life has been both beautiful and challenging. Only by living out my vocation and gradually growing into it, I have begun to grasp the depth of God’s call. Life experience alone is insufficient to comprehend the meaning of our existence, especially one’s vocation. It is God Himself who loves and guides us continually toward His love. I am profoundly grateful.
Answering the call to live a missionary life isn’t just a command; it is a commitment to God’s love, by embodying the values of love, justice and faith. It is a journey of exploration, growth and profound connection, grounded in humility and simplicity.
In 2015, I felt drawn to the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus for vocational discernment. I spent two years in Vietnam searching and discerning my calling. In 2017, I was accepted to the Postulancy in Manila, Philippines, where I studied philosophy and deepened my understanding of my vocation. In 2020, I entered the Novitiate. It was a meaningful time during which I had the opportunity to encounter God and myself.
On May 7, 2022, I professed my first religious vows in Manila, Philippines. Currently, I am a second-year theology student at Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya.
KASAALA-LUWERO EXPERIENCE
Located in central Uganda, Luwero is known for its rich culture and history. It is surrounded by greenery and beautiful landscapes, lending out a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After a short time in Kasaala at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, I was deeply impressed by the hospitality and friendly manner of the people. They are kind-hearted and cheerful and their livelihoods centered around agriculture with coffee, matoke, rice and pineapple plantations, etc., Despite facing challenges in improving their lives, the people always hope for a better future.
My summer experience in this missionary area has been enriching, especially through interactions with the children, from whom I have learned many new things. The innocence and simplicity of these children have made me feel the presence of God, teaching me that in God’s love, we live in harmony with nature and with each other, without the pursuit of material possessions.
I have been particularly moved by the devotion of the Christians to Mother Mary. Many wear rosaries around their necks as a symbol of their love for her and even children place rosaries before the statue of Mary and kiss them before praying. This practice, introduced from a young age, deepens their relationship with Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ.
I believe that Our Lady of the Annunciation watches over the Ugandan Church, playing a central role in the faith of each believer. I admire their faith and I am encouraged to grow stronger in faith by their simplicity and hospitality. I will always remember the people of Kasaala. May Our Lady of the Annunciation bless each of them and guide them to God’s love!
