Care of the Souls in the Time of the Pandemic
When COVID-19 restrictions arrived in many places across Vietnam, Vietnamese Jesuits have been confronted with a "stay at home," "social distancing," way of life which seriously affect their pastoral and spiritual ministries. To care for the souls in the time of COVID-19, some of them find creative ways to provide the spiritual and pastoral accompaniment
How they all began
Online Prayer For Victims Of COVID-19
In Vinh diocese, North Vietnam, two Jesuit regents: Duong Nguyen, SJ and Huu Tuan, SJ, helped Catholic students to launch a special online Benediction to pray for the world and their country in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The liturgy was presided over by Fr. Joseph Vuong Van Dinh, SJ.
Recitation of the Rosary via ZOOM
Due to restrictions on large gatherings, two regents: Nguyễn Đương, SJ and Tuấn Đặng, SJ have started online prayers for parishioners of An Hau sub-parish in the Diocese of Vinh. Families of the sub-parish are invited to join the Rosary recitation and daily Gospel reflection to pray for all those who are suffering from Covid-19. Some parishioners, who are working abroad, have also participated in the prayers and shared their stories of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting them.
8-day Spiritual Exercises Retreat via ZOOM
Fr. Chinh Tran, SJ accompanied 66 sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) during their 8-day Ignatian retreat via ZOOM.
With the theme “Renewal of the Consecrated and Mission Life,” Fr. Chinh encouraged the sisters to look back, to acknowledge the difficulties, to identify the graces given as well as to imitate Jesus Christ in his words and deeds.
CIS Vietnam offers online courses on mental health and psychosocial support during COVID-19
During a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing increased levels of distress and anxiety, especially as a result of social distancing. Thus, CIS Vietnam has offered programs to help participants to manage their own mental well-being.
Fr. JB. Nguyen Trung Kien, SJ, offered a short course on Ignatian prayer and discernment via ZOOM. Fr. Kien is working at St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary of the Diocese of Vinh as a spiritual director.
