(VOVWORLD) - Catholics and Protestants are jubilantly celebrating Christmas. But unlike previous seasons, this year’s celebration is being held online or at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the festive spirit remains.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is beautifully decorated inside and outside every year before COVID-19 |
Parishes in Tan Hiep district, Kien Giang province plan to organize smaller celebrations than in previous years. In addition to communications on disease prevention conducted by local administrations, church dignitaries have reminded religious followers to simply decorate their house and follow preventive measures when attending masses.
Nguyen Minh Nghia of An Ton parish in Tan Hiep B commune, said: "We feel safe and happy because local Catholic followers have been fully vaccinated and strictly obey COVID regulations in daily masses and split into small groups at larger celebrations."
In the 38 parishes of the district, priests helped Catholic followers decorate their houses, clean their village, and plant flowers and trees ahead of Christmas and in response to the new rural development movement while safely and flexibly adapting to the pandemic.
Nguyen Dong Hai of Phuong Nghia parish in Kon Tum province says everyone wants to stay safe during the pandemic.
"We are excited about Christmas. Our country has been severely affected by the pandemic but we are doing our best to contain it. Catholic followers wish everyone safety and happiness,' said Mr. Hai.
Desirous of leading a good secular life and a good religious life, Christians in Can Tho province frequently participate in humanitarian activities to help other people.
In a letter to Christian dignitaries and followers in Vietnam, Do Van Chien, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, expressed his hope that Churches and Catholics and Protestants would uphold patriotism, strengthen unity, and safely and flexibly adapt to and effectively contain the pandemic to boost socio-economic development.