Catholics find more freedom in Vietnam

Date: 04 February 2006 21:43:34

Vietnam has the second biggest Catholic community in South-East Asia, a legacy of French colonial rule. But the communists who took control of Vietnam in 1975 distrusted this foreign influence.

Now, however, restrictions on Catholicism in Vietnam are beginning to ease, in line with a general opening up of the country ever since the reforms of the 1990s.

Thanks be to God.

Please remember our brothers and sisters in Vietnam, China and other countries and areas where they do not have the freedom to worship that we do, and which we often take for granted.

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And prayers for those affected by the Egyptian ferry tragedy, the stadium stampede in the Philippines, and all those affected by disaster, tragedy and pain.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.