Festive season atmosphere has been created in Hong Giang commune, Dong Hung district of Thai Binh province with local people decorating pathways with colored lights, Christmas trees, caves and Jesus Christ. Let’s go there to enjoy the joyful celebrations with local Catholics.
One moth before Christmas, young girls in the hamlet gathered at Mai Thi Nghe’s home to learn singing. Instructor Nghe said they learn through audio CDs: “We don’t have sufficient conditions to learn how to sing professionally. We choose upbeat Christmas carols and sing along. The songs are different from year to year. This year, we will sing about Santa Clause wearing a hat and holding a bell. We rehearse everyday if weather is fine. On December 20th or 21st, we will perform in churches”.
Young people in the parish also help prepare for festive season. 8th grade student Mai Thi Oanh said: “We are building caves and cleaning up churches. We are divided in teams to do the job. I feel very happy when everybody come to our parish to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a Catholic”.
Parish Head Nguyen Van Chien has devised detailed plans for Christmas Even Mass: “During Christmas 2011, people are glad because of improved living conditions, freedom of belief and unity between religious and non-religious people. In An Lap parish there are 5 clans. Last year we built 27 caves and this year the number will increase and caves will be available in commune lanes and house’ front yards. A singing night will be held from clan to clan”.
Priest Chien said this year the parish will hold Christmas season earlier than last year: “Celebrations will start from December 20th instead of the 23rd last year. Every clan will perform 2 pieces and the Church is in charge of 6 pieces, including dance, singing and play acting”.
In Hong Giang commune, Catholic followers account for half of its population. But whenever Christmas comes, everybody, religious and non-religious, are enthusiastic. Nguyen Xuan Dinh is Chairman of Hong Giang commune’s People Committee: “During major festivities, local authorities visit churches and send greetings to Catholic followers. Catholic and non-Catholic population all celebrate Christmas and they share the joy”.
The 7,000 m2 parish Church is always packed with people during Sunday mass. Priest Nguyen Thanh Tam said measures are taken to ensure safety for mass attendants: “We have worked with local administration to facilitate local people’s visits of caves so that they feel joyful. On Christmas, district security forces help to maintain order as a lot people gather here, forming a huge crowd”.
In An Lap parish, final preparations are underway and everybody wish for another Merry Christmas.
Lan Anh