08/29/2019 Vietnam (International Christian Concern) – August 22 marks the world’s first International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief established last May by the United Nations General Assembly.

In response to the special day, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam (CBCV) wrote to parishes, dioceses and religious orders to encourage them to hold prayer services for the oppressed, especially in Vietnam.

One group stood out among those who took part in the prayer meeting— residents of the Lộc Hưng Gardens. They are God’s disciples who deeply believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. They fled North Vietnam when it was seized by the Communists and settled in the South, hoping to preserve their Catholic faith.

According to Asia News, in the last seven months, these people have suffered as a result of the illegal seizure of their land and property. During this time, the communist authorities tore down the houses built around the gardens.

At the beginning of this year, local authorities used force and sent in bulldozers to seize the land and demolish homes.

According to estimates by lawyers involved in the case, 503 homes and properties worth 100 billion Vietnamese dongs (US$ 4,311,631) have been lost. Since the illegal action, the administration has not negotiated directly with the residents. Despite many attempts to complain to the government, they only heard silence from the authorities.

Though being persecuted, residents come together at 7 pm to pray the Rosary with devotion, near the statue of the Virgin Mary situated in front of the Lộc Hưng Gardens, come what may: wind, rain or flood. And on August 22, they prayed not only for themselves, but others who suffered for Jesus in Vietnam.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator:[email protected].