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Convert boom a mixed blessing

Sharp increase in Catholic population, government restrictions make worship a struggle
Convert boom a mixed blessing

Father Anthony Nguyen Phi Hung (fourth from left) and Catholics at Quang Phu chapel

Published: July 21, 2011 10:23 AM GMT
Updated: November 03, 2023 08:52 AM GMT

The Church is struggling to provide pastoral care for more than 4,000 people in Ban Me Thuot diocese in the Central Highlands as a result of a sharp increase in the Catholic population and government restrictions. The situation has become quite acute, says Father Anthony Nguyen Phi Hung, pastor of Quang Da parish. “More than 1,000 people including ethnic villagers have been baptized during the past three years,” said the priest who now has to provide pastoral care in 12 villages in Krong No district of Dak Nong province. The sharp rise in the number of Catholics forced them to build a small Church and four chapels to meet the needs of parishioners, however, local authorities denied approval for three of the chapels and can’t be used. Local Catholics have to gather at people’s homes to pray on Sundays or have to ask for government permission before Father Hung can celebrate liturgical services for them. “We are deeply concerned for local Catholics who have no proper place of worship. We have plots of land but are not allowed to build chapels,” said Father Hung, who also heads the diocese’s committee for youth. He said he has to drive 30-50 kilometers on narrow, mountain roads to visit parishioners, conduct pastoral activities and provide material support for those who need it. He said local Catholics live a good life and work for the common good. They hope government authorities will understand this and respect their right to worship freely, he added.

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