Today’s Readings – Saint Andrew Dung-lac and companions

Saints Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Companions, Martyrs (Vietnam); Memorial

 

Christian missionaries first brought the Catholic faith to Vietnam during the 16th century. The first two apostolic vicariates were established in 1659.

The traditional Vietnamese religion is Buddhism, mixed with elements of Taoism, Confucianism and the cult of ancestors. When Christianity came with missionaries early in the 16th century, it was seen as a foreign element and during the following three centuries (1625-1886) became the object of persecution

During the first 20 years of the 19th century Christianity made steady progress but this was dramatically interrupted by the persecutions under the Annamite emperors Minh-Mang (1820-40) and Tu Dúc (1847-83). From 1832 Minh-Man … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Monday of Week 34 in Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Revelation 14:1-5

In a passage immediately preceding today’s and not included in our liturgical readings, the followers of the Beast, an agent of Satan, were said to be branded on the right hand or the forehead with his name and number, just as slaves were branded wit … Continue