Pope Leo XIV has delivered a heartfelt video message to Vietnamese catechists, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and joyful in mission as they commemorate the 400th birth anniversary of Blessed Andrew Phú Yên.
The message, released on July 26, coincided with a virtual gathering of catechists from across Vietnam, joined by Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng of Saigon, who also serves as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam. The celebration featured prayers in the presence of the relic of Blessed Andrew, Vietnam’s protomartyr and patron of catechists.
“On this solemn occasion, we celebrate a great son of Vietnam, a catechist and martyr whose witness still inspires us,” the Pope said. “May the Lord bless this moment of encounter and grace.”
Born in 1625, Blessed Andrew Phú Yên became an assistant to Jesuit missionaries after his baptism. At the age of 19, he was martyred for refusing to renounce his faith, dying with the name of Jesus on his lips. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Quoting Christus Vivit, the 2019 post-synodal apostolic exhortation of the late Pope Francis, addressed primarily to young people, Pope Leo highlighted Blessed Andrew’s youthful sanctity, noting that he “answered Christ’s call to return love for love” and remains a model for all catechists, especially the young.
The Pope acknowledged Vietnam’s vibrant catechetical ministry, which includes over 64,000 catechists serving both domestically and abroad. Praising their dedication and missionary zeal, he stated: “By your teaching and example, you draw children and youth into friendship with Jesus. You are sent by the Church to be living signs of God’s love.”
He underscored that catechists embody a humble ministry deeply rooted in the cultural and familial heritage of the Vietnamese Church. The Pope encouraged them to cherish the faith handed down by parents and grandparents, many of whom endured persecution for their beliefs.
Reflecting on Blessed Andrew’s time in prison, Pope Leo reminded catechists that their mission is not a solitary one but is strengthened by the prayers of the Christian community. “This unity of prayer and service underscores the Church’s unity and the peace Christ gives us,” he said.
Connecting the anniversary to the upcoming Jubilee of Youth in Rome, the Pope called on catechists to join spiritually with young pilgrims from around the world. “Let this hope encourage you in your service. Share with them the joyful confidence that ‘Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’” he said, once again quoting Christus Vivit.
Pope Leo concluded his message by invoking the intercession of Blessed Andrew Phú Yên and the Blessed Virgin Mary, entrusting all catechists to God’s blessing.
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