6000 on the strets of Hanoi

Bishops join in public demonstrations

Bishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan of Lang Son and protestors

Two more bishops join in the largest public demonstration so far with more than six thousands of Catholics in cold rain. Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet of Hanoi observes that all petitions relating to land disputes have fallen into deaf ears, Catholics in their desperation were left with no choice other than holding peaceful protests completely complying with Vietnam law to call out for justice.

Though it was raining heavily, on Saturday, more than six thousands of Catholics braving cold rain to attend the largest prayer protest so far at Thai Ha, Hanoi. Numbers would have been even greater if the police hadn't banned protestors from Phat Diem and Thai Nguyen provinces from attending.

Protestors felt warm in the cold rain when they were joined by two more bishops. “I feel very emotional to be with you here,” said Bishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan, from Lang Son Diocese, in far northern Vietnam, 154km from Hanoi, “to witness the way you express your desires for values of faith, justice and peace.” Bishop Joseph Dang is the youngest bishop in Vietnam, ordained to Bishop on December last year. “In these days, during my pastoral trips in Lang Son, I have explained to people on false and distortional information about priests and faithful of Thai Ha.”

Bishop Joseph Nguyen Van Yen of Phat Diem, whose most followers were barred to travel into the capital, presided a Mass for protestors with more than 20 priests. “We are here from many regions of the country to pray with our Mother of Perpetual Help,” said Bishop Joseph Nguyen in his sermon, “to be in communion and in solidarity with you in this difficult time. We are here to pray for the truth and justice.”

As the influx of protestors at Thai Ha has swelled rapidly, Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet of Hanoi warned that “the situation will soon become more complicated”. “It is the responsibility of the government who has the power to solve the problem,” he added in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) on Friday calling for Hanoi authorities “to listen and satisfy people’s legitimate aspirations.”

“No, absolutely not” was his answer when asked if the protest has been against the law as accused by state-run media repeating that Hanoi Catholics were left with no choice other than holding peaceful protests completely complying with Vietnam law to call out for justice. Also, he complained that state-run media only broadcast one-way information and do not allow Catholics to have their voice on these outlets.