Pope Leo sends video message to catechists in Vietnam on occasion of birth of country's first martyr
Pope to Vietnamese catechists: You are never alone
Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of the man
considered the country’s first martyr, the Pope sent a video message to
catechists, urging them to keep the love for their faith and family alive.
By Kielce Gussie
To mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Blessed
Andrew Phú Yên, Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to Vietnamese catechists.
Ahead of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, he extended his gratitude to everyone,
especially the young people, who logged onto the call from across the country.
The Pope shared he was especially grateful to be “united in prayer in the
presence of the holy relic of Blessed Andrew Phú Yên.”
Reflecting on the life of “a great son of Vietnam”, Pope Leo
highlighted how Blessed Andrew was “an invaluable assistant to the Jesuit missionaries
who brought the Gospel to Vietnam after his baptism.”
Killed for the faith
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit explains
how the Vietnamese blessed was imprisoned for the faith and that when he
refused to renounce it, he was martyred. His last words being the name of
Jesus.
Catholic missionaries
arrived in Vietnam in the 16th century
Pope Leo highlighted how in sacrificing his life at only 19
years old, Andrew responded to Christ’s call to “return ‘love for love’”. His
witness then earned him the title of Protomartyr of Vietnam and he was
beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000. As the patron of catechists, Pope
Leo asked for his intercession to encourage those working to teach the faith to
follow the young martyr’s example in the midst of trial.
A church of catechists
Turning to the Church in Vietnam, Pope Leo used his message
to showcase how the local community is full of catechists dedicated to teaching
the faith to children and young people. 64,000 catechists are present in and
out of Vietnam, the Pope pointed out, calling them “a fundamental part of
parish life.”
Thanking those who serve in this field, he urged them to
“never underestimate the gift” they are as they “draw children and youth into
friendship with Jesus” by their teaching and example. Continuing his message,
Pope Leo reminded them that they “are sent by the Church to be living signs of
God’s love: humble servants like Blessed Andrew, full of missionary zeal.”
The Pope recalled how Blessed Andrew is said to have
encouraged his fellow Christians to stay strong in their faith and to pray for
him as well during their imprisonment. Pope Leo used this as a reminder that
the Christian life, particularly the catechetical work, “is never a solitary
endeavor.” We are all part of the Body of Christ.
Rooted in family and culture
Once again referring to his predecessor’s words, Pope Leo
stressed that the ministry of catechists has its roots in a heritage of family
and culture. He encouraged the catechists to “keep alive” their love for their
family and their homeland in their work.
Their faith and culture are passed down, “especially the
heroic faith of your parents and grandparents, who, like Blessed Andrew, bore
witness in suffering and taught you to trust in God.” The Pope challenged them
to use these traditions and roots—which are gifts from God—to help them in
their mission of sharing the faith with others.
Closing his message, Pope Leo invited the Vietnamese
catechists to spiritually join the young pilgrims coming to Rome for the
Jubilee of Youth and to be united also with their brothers and sisters in
Vietnam. Entrusting them and their work to God, the Pope blessed those on the
call and asked for the intercession of Blessed Andrew.
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