Ms Mary Thu Ho
Mrs Mary Thu Ho and Mr Joseph Xuan, with Fr Chris Monaghan
1. Joy and a Deep Concern
The Passionist Congregation in Vietnam is bearing much fruit: communities, priests, religious, vocations, and Lay Passionists. Yet behind this joy lies a deep concern: many young people are quietly drifting away from God and the Church.
Even within our own families, many of our grandchildren are quietly stopping going to Mass and gradually moving away from the Church, and we do not know why.
So what should we, as adults, think and do?
2. Why Are Young People Leaving the Church?
Sometimes we give them “the shell of religion – just outside” but fail to give them “the roots of faith – interior their heart.” When faith is based mainly on rules and tradition, without a personal relationship with Christ through the Word of God, young people can easily be swept away by the values and pressures of today’s world.
3. The Opportunity for the Passionists
Precisely in a world filled with loneliness, pressure, suffering, and crisis, the Cross of Christ becomes an answer full of hope. Young people need to know that Jesus Himself experienced suffering, fear, loneliness, and wounds. When they encounter a Christ who is close to them and loves them, they can rediscover meaning and hope in their lives.
4. The Family – an “Emmaus Inn”
Parents and grandparents should not simply teach their children to “keep the faith,” but should accompany them, listen to them, and help them encounter Christ through the Word of God (it makes faith becomes more alive).
Let us learn from Our Lady of Sorrows: to remain present, without judging or abandoning, especially when our children are struggling or have lost their way.
5. Hope and a Call to Mission
May every family become an “Emmaus Inn”—a place where young people are welcomed, listened to, and helped to encounter Christ. It is a good way for the Passionist to become real house such as sharing the common things – community life, prayer life and ministry…
By doing this way, the Passionists can continue to develop Scripture formation, digital evangelization, and open spaces for accompanying young people.
Evangelization is not the mission of religious alone; every Christian is a missionary disciple who is sent to proclaim Christ.
Conclusion
“Dear Fathers and Brothers, we are lay Passionists so please stay with us and accompany us.
Help us not merely to be people who ‘have a religion,’ but to become true Christians who live and proclaim Christ.
May every family become an ‘Emmaus Inn,’ where the Word of God makes our hearts burn within us and opens our eyes to recognize that Christ is present among us.”
The central message of this reflection is simple: “Every Family – An Emmaus Inn.”
It is a beautiful pastoral vision for the Passionists in Vietnam: to accompany families, listen to young people, lead them to the Word of God, and help them rediscover Christ in the midst of their everyday lives.
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