Franciscans in Vietnam

Friars professing their Simple Vows in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

For many North Americans, Vietnam conjures tragic images. We remember the Vietnam War, which consumed countless lives. The country itself is a Communist state - meaning that it espouses atheism; yet in Vietnam, the power of the Catholic faith has taken root. More specifically, Franciscan spirituality is spreading from person to person. Last month, 11 novices professed their Simple Vows in Ho Chi Minh City. The location of the Franciscan church where the ceremony took place has not been disclosed. The attending guests, however, came from around the world. They included Friar Maximilian Tuan (from St. Joseph Cupertino Province in the Western United States), Friar Miha Majetic (a member of the Slovenian Province), and Friar Christopher Shorrock (from the Australian Custody) amongst others. The 500 or so family members and friends at the ceremony suggested a small but deeply faithful Vietnamese laity.

The power of the Word as spread by Franciscan and other missionaries around the world ensures that the Church will continue to grow into the future. The world's different cultures that are within the Church now also have the opportunity to unite in faith and peace, focused on prayer to the Lord. Francis who during the crusades had a peaceful conversation with Melek-el-Kamel - the sultan of Egypt - would surely approve of such an effort