Joining the whole country on the occasion to celebrate the nation’s legendary Fathers, Hai Duong Catholic parish of Hai Phong Diocese solemnly held a ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of the Hung Kings and prayers for national prosperity and peace on April 28.
Attending the ceremony were Bishop Joseph Vũ Văn Thiên of Hai Phong Diocese, Bishop Joseph Nguyễn Văn Yến – Deputy Director of Vietnam Caritas, over 40 Catholic priests and clergies, dignitaries representing other religions, and large numbers of Catholic followers and local people.
State officials at the ceremony included Vice Chairman of the Government Committee (GCRA) Dương Ngọc Tấn and representatives from local authorities in Hai Duong province.
The death anniversary of Hung Kings has been commemorated annually in the parish since 2007 on the 10th of the third lunar month, with traditional rituals and offerings. This occasion has been regarded as an opportunity for local Catholics to express respect and gratitude to the nation’s legendary founders of Hung Kings.
Speaking during the death anniversary this year, Bishop Joseph Vũ Văn Thiên reminded the Vietnamese Catholics that “Before becoming Catholics, we have been Vietnamese”. Hence, the death anniversary of Vietnam’s national founders should be the opportunity to glorify the Motherland and to pray for peace and prosperity in the country, said the Bishop.
