The Catholic Church in Vietnam marked the World Day of Prayer for Vocations with the ordination of eight new deacons in the Archdiocese of Hanoi.
Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien ordained the new deacons at Hanoi’s Cathedral of St. Joseph on April 26 ahead of Vocations Sunday on April 30.
In his homily, Archbishop Van Thiên pointed out that the clerical state — diaconate, priesthood, and episcopate — “are not titles or honors that indicate privilege, but tasks in service.”
“You are called to serve the Church and serve your brothers and sisters,” said the prelate.
Pope Francis in his message for Vocations Sunday said there can be no vocation without mission because Christians find true happiness and self-realization in offering others the life in Christ.
“Our mission finds expression in works of material and spiritual mercy,” said the pope.
The Holy Father also pointed out that the Lord’s call to the ordained ministry represents a unique mission within the vocational call of all Christians to bring the Gospel to others.
The Archdiocese of Hanoi also celebrated recently its first large-scale gathering of young people after the Covid 19 pandemic.
About 5,000 young Catholics took part in the 7th Diocesan Youth Day on April 23 under the theme “Mary rose and went in haste,” which will form the background for World Youth Day in Lisbon in August.
