From the Parish House

I am deeply grateful for my annual leave last month.  It was a welcome break from regular life and at the same time, it provided special moments of reunion, invigoration, and renewal of mind and body.

It was with immense joy that I caught up with almost my whole family on a little trip with thirty-six of them, including all my nieces, nephews, and their children.  It was a joy not only for me as an uncle, but for all, especially the little ones who had not seen each other for a while due to the distant living arrangements of each individual family.  Surely, we all know what it means to be reunited with family, where conversations would go on until late, with no one wanting to go to bed.

Another wonderful experience from the trip was joining my brother, Fr Lam Ho, for the blessing of a new chapel built in a remote area of his parish.  It was heartwarming to see the excitement and sense of pride on the faces of the parishioners, as I was told that one-third of the labour to build the chapel came from their ‘homegrown’ parishioners.  On the way to the event, one of his friends remarked that though the building might look small, the idea was to establish a stepping stone to ‘help’ the local authorities become familiar with the concept of a church community, which might one day be established in such a remote area.  As you may be aware, there are still certain restrictions on exercising religion and building churches in Vietnam.  The celebration illuminated a great sense of hope in the work of evangelisation, despite all the challenges a faith community might have to face.

Another event that inspired me deeply was celebrating the installation of another brother of mine, Fr Huyen Ho, as the new parish priest within the Diocese of Kontum.  This diocese is still a missionary one.  What inspired me was not only the large gathering of the faithful, but rather the Rite of Installation of the new parish priest.  During that Eucharistic celebration, the bishop carried out the Rite of Installation.  After the profession of faith, he led the new parish priest to the most important places in the church to highlight his duties and responsibilities.  In particular, he was seated in the presiding chair, as he will lead the faithful of the parish.  Then the new parish priest incensed the open Tabernacle to revere the profound presence of the Lord in the Eucharist.  After that, the bishop led him to the lectern, as he will break open the word of God to nourish the faithful.  The next place the new parish priest was led to was the confessional space, as he will bring God’s forgiveness and reconciliation through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Finally, he was led to the site of the baptismal font, where he will welcome the newly baptised into the Catholic faith.  Seeing my brother installed inspired me with a strong sense of renewal of my own duties and responsibilities to administer the blessings and grace of God in a parochial context.  The rite is indeed not just local, but rather universal.

You can visit Giao Phan Kon Tum to see more images of the installation.

The final touch of my break was rather emotional as I joined my nephew, Fr Sinh Le, to celebrate the Eucharist marking his dad’s first death anniversary.  He remarked at the celebration that he was deeply touched by the fact that, as a priest, he is now able to offer Mass for his dad on his anniversary.  As some of you might know, Sinh’s dad passed away two weeks before his ordination to the priesthood last year.

Being able to profoundly unite our sacrifices and grieving process with the Sacrifice of Christ in the Eucharist on the altar brings so much hope, comfort, and healing.  This is not only for the priest but for all the faithful as they unite profoundly with their priest to offer the Sacrifice of Christ on the altar.

With this final reflection, I wish to extend an invitation to all parishioners to join the whole church in entering into the month of November to commemorate all the faithful departed, including our dear loved ones.  As we pray for and honour our departed brothers and sisters, may we be reminded of and renew our faith in Jesus, who is our way, our truth, and our life.

All information regarding the celebrations for the Feast of All Saints and All Souls’ in our Parish can be found in our parish newsletter.

By Fr Sang Ho

Parish Priest

Image 1: Fr Sang Ho’s family. (Source: Author’s own)

Image 2: The sanctuary of the new chapel opened in Fr Lam Ho’s (Fr Sang’s brother) parish. (Source: Author’s own)

Image 3: People attending the blessing of the new chapel opened in Fr Lam Ho’s (Fr Sang’s brother) parish. (Source: Author’s own)

Image 4: Fr Sang Ho and his two brothers with Bishop Aloisius Nguyen Hung Vi, at the installation of Fr Huyen Ho (Fr Sang’s brother) as parish priest. (Source: Author’s own)

Image 5: The faithful processing into church to celebrate the installation of Fr Huyen Ho (Fr Sang’s brother) as parish priest. (Source: https://giaophankontum.com)