By Viet SC
Vietnam, 2 August 2022 -- It has been one year since the day God called out His very silent call to Father Peter Pham Van Chinh in the context of the Covid 19 epidemic. On July 29, 2022, Vietnam Province respectfully prayed for him during the death anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Nguyen Tan Tuoc, Bishop of Phu Cuong Diocese.
Participating in the Mass were Father Barnaba Le An Phong and Councillors, other Salesians, the FMA Sisters, brothers and sisters of the Salesian family, the near and far relatives of Fr. Peter, with fathers and brothers and sisters in the parishes where Fr. Peter has served.
With the deep feelings of someone who has spent a long time with Fr. Peter serving, the Bishop gave an emotional sharing about Father Peter in his homily. The Bishop led the community to the fundamental hope of Christians behind the painful separations that everyone has to go through in earthly life. That hope is assured by Jesus Christ, who has risen through death and reached resurrection. And He also ensures eternal happiness for those who believe in Him and serve Him.
According to the Bishop, the silent passing of Father Peter one year ago in a special situation that no one wanted, was a victory for the Congregation; because Fr. Peter left at a time when he had devoted all his energy and ability to the Salesian mission in the field of Social Communication. In that sense, while mourning for a venerable brother who was called back by the Lord with a very personal call, the memorial day of Father Peter is also a day to give thanks to God and towards joy, hope in everyone's present life.
Before the end of the Mass, the representative of Fr. Peter's family expressed their gratitude to the Bishop and the community, along with brief but general and emotional shares about the whole devotion life of Fr Peter.
The closing Mass leaves in the hearts of each person many different precious sentiments. After the Mass, the Bishop, along with the priests and relatives of Father Peter, took a souvenir photo next to the photo of Fr Peter.
Fr. Peter Pham Van Chinh was the former Provincial Delegate for Social Communication of Vietnam and EAO SC Coodinator. He went back to the Father’s house on July 24, 2021 when the Covid 19 pandemic was very serious in Vietnam. He passed away quietly in the night in his room and was cremated without a funeral Mass at that time.
