Catholic priests from all dioceses in Vietnam attending a major national conference have been told to work together and prioritise care for migrant communities at home and abroad. Source: UCAnews.
More than 40 priests in charge of ministries for migrants in dioceses and for religious congregations attended the gathering at Nha Trang Bishop’s House in Khanh Hoa province from September. 27-29.
Bishop Louis Nguyen Anh Tuan, head of the Vietnamese Bishops’ Commission for Migrants, said all pastors should take on the responsibility of accompanying and taking care of migrant workers and people on the move, especially vulnerable children and women.
Bishop Tuan of Ha Tinh diocese reminded participants that tending to migrants and immigrants is a major pastoral priority of the Church.
The conference was an opportunity for all participants to share their practical experiences in offering pastoral care to migrants, draw useful lessons, give pastoral suggestions to help one another, and show communion with one another, the prelate said.
Father Joseph Dao Nguyen Vu, secretary of the bishops’ migrant commission, said priests need to be in agreement with one another on pastoral issues so that they can create the best conditions for domestic migrants to live out their faith and serve Vietnamese workers in other countries well.
“Migrant ministry comes from the heart of pastors, if we are generous and compassionate enough, all problems will be dealt with,” he said.
During the meeting, participants re-evaluated pastoral guidelines for migrants for local priests to carry out their ministry and support migrants to allow them to practice their faith properly.
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Vietnam Church pushes care for migrants (UCAnews)
