ROME - Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet of Hanoi has arrived in Rome on Mar 5 at the invitation of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People and the Pontifical Council of Cor Unum for medical treatment in Rome.
The prelate who has been on medical leave at a monastery in Chau Son, Ninh Binh province since the beginning of January was accompanied by Rev. Alfonse Pham Hung from the Office of Archdiocese on his trip to Rome seeking further treatment for his chronic conditions of insomnia and stress, a condition attributed to pressure of his pastoral duty in Hanoi, one of the largest archdioceses in Vietnam to which his Vietnamese medical doctors had exhausted all their options.
Archbishop Joseph Kiet was overwhelmed with scores of bishops, clergy, religious men and women, parishioners well wishers from all over North Vietnam who showed up at his door to express their love and support for him. The emotional attachment to him has been flourishing since the early days of his serving in Lang Son diocese in last decade, where he had transformed Lang Son from ruins to a viable, engaging Christian community. His endless effort has left a
long lasting impression on the minds of Lang Son faithful, and they came to Hanoi along with their new bishop just to tell him how much he means to them. The same emotion exists in Hanoi faithful, whose spiritual and emotional needs has been well provided, their religious rights has been protected by the courageous prelate in any circumstances despite his fragile medical condition. It seems anyone who were victims of the devastating flood in Hanoi 2 years ago remember the sight of the Archbishop with his pants above his knee, walking with a cane to where the flood victims live to console and deliver emergency supplies to those in need.
The news of his departure had stirred up a controversy and speculation of him being removed from his position as Hanoi Archbishop as compromise to the Viet nam government's demand. But the Archbishop had quickly dismissed the theory, and all were convinced by his confidence and assurance in which he urged them not to worry and put their trust in God's hands "If God's willing, he will bless me with good health so I can return to serve you all. As for how long will the treatment be, let leave it to the clinic and the doctors to decide", said the prelate to the congregation.
Trust your life in God's hand has always been his message to everybody. He constantly reminded those who are concerned about his uncertain future as their shepherd: "We are priests. We have no one else to fear but God. So if that is what God wants, we will serve in faith, not in fear" he told the Vinh Diocesan delegation when they came to say goodbye to him.
He also told the congregation to "keep speaking in truth and solidarity, living in communion with others among our Church in order for it to stay strong and stable. Anything you do, entrust your faith in God, relying on his blessing and his power to obtain lasting peace. Your prayers and solidarity a e the weapons of our Church"
Archbishop Joseph Kiet had reportedly arrived in Rome early morning on Mar 5 and was greeted by a group of Vietnamese clergy, religious men and women who are living and working in Rome. He had gone through a preliminary physical exam by Vatican doctors later in the day and is now awaiting admission to the clinic.
Cardinals from various Pontifical Congregations have congratulated him and wish him well. All expressed their hope for his quick recovery so he can return home to his flock who are counting each day the beloved Shepherd has been separated from them.
The prelate who has been on medical leave at a monastery in Chau Son, Ninh Binh province since the beginning of January was accompanied by Rev. Alfonse Pham Hung from the Office of Archdiocese on his trip to Rome seeking further treatment for his chronic conditions of insomnia and stress, a condition attributed to pressure of his pastoral duty in Hanoi, one of the largest archdioceses in Vietnam to which his Vietnamese medical doctors had exhausted all their options.
Archbishop Joseph Kiet was overwhelmed with scores of bishops, clergy, religious men and women, parishioners well wishers from all over North Vietnam who showed up at his door to express their love and support for him. The emotional attachment to him has been flourishing since the early days of his serving in Lang Son diocese in last decade, where he had transformed Lang Son from ruins to a viable, engaging Christian community. His endless effort has left a
long lasting impression on the minds of Lang Son faithful, and they came to Hanoi along with their new bishop just to tell him how much he means to them. The same emotion exists in Hanoi faithful, whose spiritual and emotional needs has been well provided, their religious rights has been protected by the courageous prelate in any circumstances despite his fragile medical condition. It seems anyone who were victims of the devastating flood in Hanoi 2 years ago remember the sight of the Archbishop with his pants above his knee, walking with a cane to where the flood victims live to console and deliver emergency supplies to those in need. The news of his departure had stirred up a controversy and speculation of him being removed from his position as Hanoi Archbishop as compromise to the Viet nam government's demand. But the Archbishop had quickly dismissed the theory, and all were convinced by his confidence and assurance in which he urged them not to worry and put their trust in God's hands "If God's willing, he will bless me with good health so I can return to serve you all. As for how long will the treatment be, let leave it to the clinic and the doctors to decide", said the prelate to the congregation.
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| Bishops from North Vietnam came to show their support |
He also told the congregation to "keep speaking in truth and solidarity, living in communion with others among our Church in order for it to stay strong and stable. Anything you do, entrust your faith in God, relying on his blessing and his power to obtain lasting peace. Your prayers and solidarity a e the weapons of our Church"
Archbishop Joseph Kiet had reportedly arrived in Rome early morning on Mar 5 and was greeted by a group of Vietnamese clergy, religious men and women who are living and working in Rome. He had gone through a preliminary physical exam by Vatican doctors later in the day and is now awaiting admission to the clinic.
Cardinals from various Pontifical Congregations have congratulated him and wish him well. All expressed their hope for his quick recovery so he can return home to his flock who are counting each day the beloved Shepherd has been separated from them.