New Carmelite Monastery Founded in Vietnam

UCANews ^ | 6/10/22

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St. Joseph Discalced Carmelite Monastery of Kontum aims to evangelize among ethnic communities in the Central Highlands

Bishop Aloisius Nguyen Hung Vi of Kontum and Discalced Carmelite nuns pose for a photo on June 7. (Photo: giaophankontum.com)

A new monastery for Discalced Carmelite nuns has been established in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, marking the growth of contemplative life in hard times.

On June 7, Bishop Aloisius Nguyen Hung Vi of Kontum officially founded St. Joseph Discalced Carmelite Monastery of Kontum based in Chu Pah district of Gia Lai province. Present at the special ceremony were 15 priests and many people including Carmelites from other places.

Bishop Vi called on participants to express heartfelt gratitude to God for giving numerous graces to them, especially local Discalced Carmelites who are chosen among small, humble and weak women.

He said this is truly mysticity and divine predestination as God arranges a vocation or path for each person.

Noting that praying occupies a crucial role in Christians' faith life, the 70-year-old prelate said: “The ascetic life with constant prayer and silent sacrifice is definitely like breath and lungs to bring God's blessings to Kontum Diocese. The monastery serves as a heart of prayer giving vitality to the local Church."

The local Church is happy to have Discalced Carmelite nuns who walk with and pray for its pastoral needs, especially evangelization work, he added.

The prelate said he hopes the youngest monastery in his diocese will grow steadily and the Church also benefits from Carmelites' prayers and sacrifices.

Bishop Vi gave special thanks to the Discalced Carmelites Monastery of Sai Gon based in Ho Chi Minh City who generously shared its staff and provided emotional and material support to the new monastery for the past few years. He also gave sincere thanks to those......