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The
Church of Our Lady of Vietnam: Its Architecture and Meaning In Vietnamese
Culture
The Church
of Our Lady of Vietnam: Its Architecture and Meaning In Vietnamese
Culture
Table of Content
Foreword -- p. 1
About the Author -- p. 4
Introduction -- p. 5
I. TAM QUAN -- p. 6
II. MUOI COT - TEN COLUMNS ILl Worship God -- p. 9
II.2 Honor Parents -- p. 12
II.3 Love Life -- p. 14
II.4 Control Desire -- p. 15
II.5 Eliminate Greed -- P.16
II.6 Tame Your Tongue -- p. 18
III. THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY
III.1 The Well-- p. 20
III.2 The Boat -- p. 22
III.3 Grandma and the Child -- p. 23
IlI.4 Our Lady -- p. 23
IV. THE CHURCH
IV.1 The Square and Round Shapes -- p. 27
IV.2 The Curved Roof -- p. 29
IV.3 The Egg -- p. 30
IV.4 The Map of Vietnam -- p. 31
IV.5 The Cross -- p. 32
IV.6 Four Doors -- p. 33
IV.7 Five Steps -- p. 34
After Words
...
2
Foreword
Father JP Minh Vu
To date the Fall of South Vietnam in 1975 has brought almost 1.5 millions
Vietnamese to the US, and since then about 200,000 of them have chosen
the greater Washington, DC area for their resettlement. After twenty
five years of
hard work in their adjustments to a new life in the new land, their
efforts have born fruit. Their accomplishments have been so significant
that many Americans wondered about their successes. Father Peter Long
and his community are an example of that story.
Father Peter Long is a very active and outgoing priest. Charming and
fond of company, he is a wise man. That was the impression I had about
him thirty years ago when I first met him in his church in La Nga,
Vietnam, and this image has never changed. Fr Long came to the DC
area in early 1976. Like any new immigrants to America, he had to
learn many tough lessons of assimilation and adaptation, e.g. the
language barrier, cultural differences, humility and hard work, but
these problems could not subdue him. His meditation and prayer gave
him many new inspirations in order to get on with life. Christmas
of 1977 was the turning point that changed his life. The image of
the Holy Family with Jesus lying in the manger inspired him. Jesus,
Mary and Joseph were migrants. Joseph had to be industrious and improvised.
Mary and Joseph lived their lives for Jesus and they trusted in God.
Father Long has lived this lesson and taught it to his people, and
most importantly the lesson of not giving up.
At the end of 1975 there were scarcely about 40 Vietnamese families
in DC. In 1976 this number increased to 80. Father Long began to visit
and built a network for ministry to these newcomers. They gathered
at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart and later at St Camillus' Church
in Silver Spring. Soon the number of families increased to 230 and
they needed a place of their own for worship and cultural activities.
Realizing the need of these new immigrants, Cardinal William W. Baum
ordered the establishment of the Vietnamese Pastoral Mission and appointed
Fr Long as head of the Mission on 21 September 1979.
This community continued to grow and became more organized with the
grouping of families into zones. They formed 8 zones; each one has
an elected leader. Soon other ministries were added into the community
life for spiritual and social needs, such as the Legion of Mary, the
Knights of Columbus, Religious Education and Vietnamese Language classes.
These activities were held at parishioners' homes or borrowed facilities.
4
In 1986, a new step was taken when they bought a property of 4 acres
located at 11812 New Hampshire Ave. This became their Base of Operation
and Father Long's new residence. On 8th April 1990, Cardinal James
Hickey officially changed the Vietnamese Mission into the 135th Parish
of the Archdiocese and appointed Fr Long as Pastor. The parish chose
the name Our Lady of Vietnam, and the dream of a new church began
to take shape on the same property that they had bought.
Within three years the parish built the foundation, the first level
of the church. It cost 1.6 million dollars and the parishioners contributed
most of that amount. On the dedication day, 28th August 1993, Cardinal
Hickey said, "This building we bless today is an expression of your
faith and of your deep Catholic cultural heritage, the true foundation
is Jesus Christ. The Archdiocese is a mosaic of faith, drawn from
many racial, ethnic and cultural heritages. This center will help
you be a community of loving service to those in need. So many of
you know how difficult it is to live in a new land..."
After six years of hard work in fund raising (1993-1999), Fr Long
and his community of 650 families began, in December 1999, the next
project - the upper level of the church, the main building. The cost
for this project was over $3,000,000 and the contributions came from
many outstanding efforts. First from the parishioners: the children
gave up candies and ice cream, the youth did car-washes, the grown-ups
sold raffle tickets, and pledged generous donations. Secondly, there
are many friends from many parts of the country and around the world
who contributed to this endeavor, including their Buddhist friends.
Third, Fr Long also traveled to many cities asking for donations;
he became affectionately known as the "Beggar Priest." Finally, people
did not only supported this project with money but also in kind, e.g.
free labor, materiel (painting, flooring, landscaping, etc.), and
special church appointments. Most memorable of all among these gifts
were the church bell, ceremonial drum and cymbal, and processional
altar. All these things were made in Vietnam and given by Bao Dap
Parish, Fr Long's former home, and the support of the archdioceses
of Hue, Saigon and the diocese of Phat Diem. Generous friends also
gifted most of the church's appointments such as the altar, pulpit,
tabernacle, etc.
November 4th, 2000 is the Dedication Day of Our Lady of Vietnam Catholic
Church, a happy and memorable day for Father Peter Long and the people
of Our Lady of Vietnam Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Washington,
DC. The parishioners chose Mother Mary as their patron. They also
honor the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs who gave their lives for the faith
in the past. The relics of thirty-three of them will be honored here.
The dream of having their own church built with Vietnamese character
is finally realized. The thoughts and attention given to the details
represent a symbol of the Vietnamese culture and faith in the Archdiocese.
According Father Long, "This church is dedicated to the God of all
of us. It is for you. It is the gift from my Vietnamese people for
everyone. The Vietnamese have learned to make new their spirit over
many troubles for thousands of years. I hope that everyone will feel
welcome here and be renewed in body and spirit".
The first time I saw the church, my heart was so moved that tears
were brimming in my eyes. It is the first church built in the US that
has the Vietnamese style. The church in front of me is a proud display
of the elegant yet firm Vietnamese spirit expressed through its architecture.
Amidst many vivid reminders of the war in Washington DC - the Vietnam
War Memorial and the talk of the town this church will stand
as an invitation for a deeper reflection, a place to pray for reconciliation
and healing of our memories and our past. This church also reflects
the sacrifices and the thriving spirit of the parishioners and their
pastor. Furthermore, the history of the Vietnam Catholic Church had
Deacon Tran Luc of Phat Diem Diocese, who built the first Cathedral
in Vietnamese style in 1898. Father Long is the first priest who builds
the first Vietnamese style church in the United States. The realization
of this church building significantly demonstrates this saying in
a Vietnamese proverb: "A tree is nothing if it stands alone, when
many trees are united they become forest and cover mountains",
I'd like to invite you to read this book in order to appreciate the
Vietnamese culture as it is expressed through its architecture. Your
visit to this church, the people and their pastor will help you experience
their resilient spirit. I also believe that the whole thing about
this church is a powerful demonstration of God's blessing and the
work of human sacrifice and labor. It is a miracle! May you be inspired,
blessed and find peace here.
I was honored when Father Long asked me to be the editor and translator
of this commemorative edition of the book for the Dedication of Our
Lady of Vietnam Catholic Church.
Father JP Minh Vu
8
About the Author
Father Peter Long consulted with one of his friends, a Vietnamese
scholar who lives in Vietnam and wished to keep his name anonymous.
The two of them shared their visions of this new church. Through this
in depth exchange, the scholar wrote this book in Vietnamese. This
commemorative edition is to portray an abstract or general profile
of its structure and symbolism from a Vietnamese perspective and not
to present an exposition of Vietnamese theology for the author is
not a theologian. Furthermore, the author hoped to explore the root
of Vietnamese culture and tradition and wished to present to the Vietnamese
people and Americans alike a virtual image of the Vietnamese heritage.
This effort hopefully would facilitate the mutual understanding and
acceptance between the two cultures - Vietnamese and American, and
help the future Vietnamese generations in their understanding and
appreciation of their heritage.
10
Introduction
Our Lady of Vietnam is one of the most unique churches vying among
many other attractions in the Washington DC area. One of the most
important features of the church is in its Vietnamese pattern. The
first design of the church came from a Vietnamese architect - Mr.
Huy Nguyen, and an American architect - Mr. Frank Duane. Father Peter
Long, pastor of this parish community, approved the blueprints, and
they were endorsed by the Washington DC Archdiocese. The building
project cannot be completed without significant contributions of:
Warren Miller, Bill Amberman, Lee Clark and associates of Roy Kirby
& Sons, Inc.; Joe Froio, Richard DeStwolinski of the Archdiocese
of Washington; the architects: Sam French, Duane, Cahill, Mullineaux
and Mullineaux P.A.; various contractors and others.
The church's location forms a triangle with the White House and the
House of Representatives. The church has a square shape with three
levels and is 81 feet high. Its has a total usage space of 20,000
square feet and rests on 4 acres.
At first sight of the church, Westerners will recognize its obvious
Oriental structure, but they may not notice the subtle difference
in the Vietnamese details. The following pages explore in depth the
meanings of these special points from a Vietnamese Catholic perspective.
12
I. TAM QUAN
To enter into the church you will pass through "Tam Quan" or the "Triple
Gateway". It is represented through the main entrance to the church's
property and the three doors of the church. The passing through these
gates reminds us that we leave behind the hustle and bustle of life
to meet God, the Loving Father. He has been longing for his children
to return after squandering our lives away, toiling in the mundane
world. He is ready to care for our souls and ultimately our eternal
life.
"Tam Quan" is an important concept in Vietnamese living philosophy.
They are the symbols of the three realms of life - Heaven, Humanity
and Earth. These three gates are the basic summary of our human experiences.
As we enter through these gates we contemplate the meaning of life.
The main gate, and the innermost door of the church, represent Heaven.
The sacred space of the church reminds us of Heaven or God. Oriental
philosophy speaks of God in this way: "Heaven in its motion gives
the idea of strength, directs the great beginnings of things"l. The
heavenly motions create night and day, and four seasons. Yesterday,
today and tomorrow remind us of the unchanging and unconditional love
of God.
Only God has this great and originating power. The creation of all
matter and things, the emergence of living creatures of all classes,
all these results came from the" originating power" of God. It's the
prime constituent, the so called "life spirit" that God placed in
the genesis and propagation of each living creature. This life spirit
is at work with other universal formulas like harmony, selfpreservation,
growth and development, etc., so that all creatures will reach their
full potential and beauty that God has intended. This originating
power not only limits the physical arena that is extended to the human
gene and DNA, but it also encompasses human dignity, personality and
character. By entering this gate, you are reminded of the awesome
power of God.
The gate on the right, and the middle door of the church, stand for
the Earth. The Earth offers us the sustaining power. The stratigraphy
of earth matter forms the terra firma to uphold all living creatures,
from the smallest to the largest, the crawling and creeping to the
flying, prince and pauper, the good and the bad. The Earth does not
reject anyone.
The hospitable and benevolent Earth is like a mother's womb. Her caring
and sensitive nature attends to all our needs. Her birthing, transforming
and nurturing efforts provide daily around the clock care for all
creatures. Heaven
1 The Khien Hexagram in I Ching [One of the 5 Chinese Classics: I
Ching, Shih Ching, Shu Ching, Li Chi, and Ch'un Ch'iu; (and 4 Books:
see footnote #13 on page 14).
14
and Earth harmoniously work together with time and seasons to bring
about maturity, fruition and perfection. Everything has its time and
season, otherwise the crops cannot grow and bear fruit. This notion
also reminds us that we must go to church on time and often.
Heaven and Earth are two separate entities but work together for the
creation of all. The creation story in the Bible mentioned God, who
used clay to fashion the first human being, underlines the importance
of the Earth in God's plan. The living spirit of Heaven, the materials
of the Earth are essential to all creatures. Heaven or the Father,
and Earth or the Mother, are the closest images that we can identify
and experience in our life and from here we fathom the divine mystery.
Once we acknowledge that the whole of God's creation and the human
race come from this mystery then the passing through these gates helps
us to recognize our human condition and our position in God's creation.
The first or the outer gate symbolizes Humanity. The earthling is
superior to all living creatures. With our body and soul we stand
in both of these worlds: Heaven and Earth, the visible and invisible,
the finite and infinite. Our life has three dimensions: the earthly
or material, the intellectual or knowledge, and the soul or spirituality.
We can immediately identify with our material world. It's our body,
our home, our possessions and environment. Our past, present and projected
futures, along with our earthly materials, are important to the making
of who we are. We are, however, called to rise above the material
world. The command to master the material world2, the naming of creatures3
and the advice from Proverbs4 are the admonitions of how we should
use the material world.
We master the material world through the intellect. The activities
of the mind help us perceive in our thinking, reasoning, dreaming,
and remembering. They in turn give us the ability to understand, feel,
evaluate, reflect and create.
Our spirituality is the highest form of human activity. Living in
a world filled with temptations of the flesh, fame and greed, we can
be easily contaminated and influenced to do wrong. Thanks to God we
have this special faculty of spirituality to help us rise above these
traps and find our way home to our ultimate destiny.
Our material world, intellect, and spirituality are but one human
experience. We must acknowledge them in order to be real with our
true self. To deny any of these realities is to deceive ourselves.
Our intellect presents us as who we are, while our spirituality manifests
the way we live. This faculty helps us relate to
2 Genesis 1:28
3 Genesis 2:19-20a
4 Proverbs 17:1-15
16
what is invisible, interact with others, and transcend to our higher
realm of existence5.
As Christians, we believe that Man is the last of God's creation and
is slightly less than a god6. With the abilities of the intellect
and spirituality, we have the mission to love and worship God on behalf
of all creation because the animalistic world only seeks to satisfy
itself. We are not limited to the influence of "eros" (love in the
flesh) but we are able to reach the next level of love that is "agape",
that is brotherly-sisterly love and Christian love. This passion enables
us to love our family, friends, school, church and country. In this
sense Man is not only a singular entity but also is a part of a community.
God is present in these communities and journeys with us. The love
of God and of our neighbor is rooted in this principle. Saint John
wrote: "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and
he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does
not know God; for God is love"7. God loves everything He has created8.
He wants to save us from death in sin9, give us life, restore us to
wholeness, and elevate us back to Him1O, all through Jesus Christ,
the New Man and Son of God. In Christ, mankind may become one for
the glory of Godll.
Humanity in Tam Quan also reminds us of special persons that we remember.
They are called with the title "Nhan Hoang" or Royal People. They
are not necessarily people born of a royal parentage like Adam-Eve,
Hung Vuong, or George Washington... but they are all those who lived
a heroic life. They are people of great virtues whose contributions
were significant to society. They were the fathers of our nation and
patriots. They were great scientists, teachers and philosophers. They
may be named or unnamed, but they have left a legacy for us to follow.
They may not be saints, but their lives may be legends. We remember
them with love and admiration so that we may imitate their examples
and promote their stories for future generations.
Tam Quan is the Oriental gateway structure. It is supported by four
columns that stand for four seasons in time and four directions in
space. Tam Quan has three roofs, and the entryways are varied. These
details remind us that this place welcomes people from all walks of
life, genders and races. We arrive at all times and seasons of life.
We come as individuals or community. We enter as humanity who represents
all of God's creation but we consciously walk each step of our lives
in close relationship with Heaven and Earth.
5 Oriental Customs, The Origin of Ancient Vietnamese Culture, p. 21-26
(in Vietnamese) [indicates the Vietnamese source and there is no equivalent
to English version of the book]
6 Psalm 8:5-6
71 John 4:7-8
8 Wisdom 11:21-26
9 Ephesians 2:1-10
10 Jeremiah 31:1-9
11 John 17:21-26
18
II. MUOI COT - TEN COLUMNS
Leaving behind all the worries and concerns of the mundane world,
we pass through Tam Quan to find the source of strength, comfort and
healing for all of us. Inside the church we see ten columns that represent
the Ten Commandments. They guide us for this life journey.
Moses presented God's Law and Jesus perfected those laws with the
summary of the love of God and neighbor. In Vietnamese culture there
are Six Rules of Being Human. These rules are in essence not far from
the Ten Commandments:
Ten Commandments
1. Worship God
2. Do not take His name in vain
3. Keep the Sabbath
4. Honor Parents
5. Thou shall not kill
6. Thou shall not commit adultery
7. Thou shall not steal
8. Thou shall not give false witness
9. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors' wife
10. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors' goods
Six Rules of Being Human
1. Worship God (1,2 and 3)
2. Honor Parents
3. Love Life
4. Control Desire
5. Eliminate Greed
6. Tame Your Tongue
11.1 Worship God
The first three of the Ten Commandments focus on God and the worship
practice emphasizes on the One and only true God. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese
popular culture presents a unique form of expression of their belief
that sometimes is mistakenly categorized by Westerners as pantheistic
practice. It's like the perception that many Protestants judge the
Catholics when they believe mistakenly that Catholics worship their
saints like God. Saints are venerated, only God is worshipped.
In a Vietnamese village or town we see many Shrines that coexist among
Temples. The small Shrines by the roadside, in proximity to the town
entrance, next to the waterway, or near a Banyan tree, are the memorials
for the known or unknown souls who suffered an untimely end or accidental
death. They have no home to return to and no relative to pay them
respect or offer remembrance. The common folk built these monuments
to honor them so that these forgotten souls will not bother them.
The Village or Town Temples are the cenotaphs or memorials for the
Village or Town Royals who are like the town's patron or matron saints.
Every year on their feast day, the townspeople celebrate their memorials
here and pray for peace and prosperity for the village. This facility
is also the meeting place for the town officers. Here they have their
official meetings, make formal announcements, collect and register
vital data, receive
20
and distribute goods to support those in need. Shrines or Temples
are not the place to worship God. They are the reminders of God.
The Vietnamese popular tradition explicitly or implicitly acknowledges
the existence of a Supreme Being that is expressed through these vernacular
verses:
"What God creates, God will nourish"
"Dear Holy God, Rain upon us To quench our thirst Water the fields
Grant us good yields And straw to cook. . . "
"Dear Holy God Shine upon us So kids can play Ladies catch fleas And
me to work..."
"Break the belt of this machine, Dear God Arrest the grimkr, halt
the pump Make them stop till the cows come home So that the youth
have time to court..."
These are the songs that are circulated in the field or in the factory.
They are not just for fun or to improve productivity. They are neither
philosophical nor theological treatises. They are just a kind of common
expression that people at large believe. God creates and takes care
of all things. He has control of the whole universe.
All creation was made in the natural order. However, when God created
Man he made an exception when he infused into him His Spirit. Man
was given God's Spirit so that he can share in the life of God and
be raised above all living creatures. Nguyen Du, a renowned Vietnamese
poet of the 18th century, who ranks with Shakespeare, reaffirmed that:
"The body is but the flesh, beyond that is more important, it's the
spirit"12.
God nourishes all things in their natural environment. Vegetation
extracts nutrients from the earth and flows them to the leaves. They
manufacture their own food and give off oxygen in the process of photosynthesis.
This represents the primary source of food for animals and provides
oxygen for the earth's atmosphere. The animals have nervous systems,
sense organs, and specialized modes of locomotion, and are adapted
for securing, ingesting, and digesting food. Each species has their
unique foods and ways of life. The Vietnamese have
12 Kieu story, verse 116 (in Vietnamese
22
this maxim: "God creates the elephants, God will make sure there's
enough grass for their food. "
Concerning Man, God said: "Not by bread alone shall man live..." So
if we only focus on food and drinks, and try to satisfy only the physical
needs we will neglect spirituality, forget virtues and will end up
destroying one another just for food. If the big fish eats the little
fish, then the little ones will die first, and some day the big fish
will also die because there won't be any little fish.
A Vietnamese proverb has the saying that, "God has his eyes" to express
the belief that God sees everything and directs the universe with
justice and equality. He does not oppress, threaten, or dominate anyone.
He instead "placed his will in the human heart", and He expects that
man will search his own heart to find the truth and love, to do what
is just and fair. To disregard these things is to deny God or to declare
God is dead. Can anyone live this way forever?
God does not force anyone to worship Him. The way Man comes to God
depicts how he sees Him. People in Central and South Vietnam make
altars for God in a special way. They set up a pole as high as eye
level, and place a square surface made of wood or stone on top. The
altar is set up outside in the open, without a roof or elaborate decoration.
The altar faces the front entrance of the house. The setting means
God is God. He is not to be narrowed in the confinement of the home,
but all embracing. The altar has no roof because nothing can be hidden,
even in our most private acts or inmost thoughts. God only requires
a sincere heart and clear conscience, and only some simple offerings
such as an incense bowl, a cup and a small flower vase. The head of
the household fills the cup with water or rice wine, offers incense
toward heaven and earth in the morning and evening. At the beginning
of the month and again at mid month, in times of need and on special
occasions people will bring flowers just for the occasion. Simplicity
and sincerity are the keys. That's all God wants.
Ancient Vietnamese kings worshipped God in the New Year. They prayed
on behalf of the whole nation. On New Year's Eve, the king would look
for the most opportune day in the first three days of the New Year
for the worship of God. The king then would go to God's altar, the
higher elevation in the Southern Field from the palace. After having
gone through a day of fasting and cleansing and asking for the descent
of God, he prays for a good harvest and peace for the nation. The
king does this repeatedly for seven days. He also hosts a party for
the people that lasts for ten days. This is the way the king blesses
his people. Only after these activities would the king consult the
calendar to declare the best day for the grand opening of his court
and for other officials to call on him. Other lesser ranking offices
will follow suit for official business. Toward the middle of the month
the king would allow the people to call on him. The most talented
people would perform for the king and offer the king good wishes.
The Vietnamese people, from kings to paupers, believed in and prayed
to God. Their worship reflected a belief based not on fear but on
the simplicity of the
24
heart. This practice has been a long-standing tradition and has been
passed on to the present generation.
II.2 Honor Parents
The Vietnamese people love their parents. "Dao Hieu" is a special
terminology to depict those who do not specify their religious affiliation
(Buddhist, Catholic, or Protestant...). Literally "Dao" is "The Way",
but there is no equivalent word for "Hieu". The best translation would
be "filial piety". It means the real expression of the utmost love,
honor and respect that children can give to their parents, grandparents
and higher parentage. This devotion is not given only when the parents
are alive but also when they have passed away. They are remembered
in special days such as the New Year, on the anniversary of their
deaths, and on other feast days.
The Vietnamese belief emphasizes the immortality of the soul and consequently
people set up altars in their homes for ancestry veneration. Before
this altar, the wedding ceremony is celebrated, intercessory prayers
are presented, and children consider that their ancestors' spirits
are there with them. In daily life they should be mindful of their
ancestors' spirits and conduct their lives in such a way that is pleasing
to them.
This devotion is not a superstitious belief. It's an expression of
respect, a kind of grateful remembrance of their sacrifice for the
children, a fulfillment of the promise to carryon the legacy of their
lives and works, and a manifestation of obedience to their parents'
wishes. "Hieu" is the guiding light for their personal and interpersonal
life, inner peace for earthly life and life in the next world.
"Hieu" is not only for the souls of the dead but also for the living.
A Vietnamese maxim ridicules those who neglect their parents while
they are still alive, saying:
"Care for your parents while they last Useless to feed them after
they're dead"
The above phrase emphasizes how important is the loving care that
children show to their parents. It's better to do it in the here and
now than in the hereafter. When Tu Zu asked the great master to teach
him about "Hieu", Confucius said: "When you take care of your parents
people say that you have 'Hieu'. Think this way, you can take care
of your animals, but the way you care for your parents must rise above
that. Otherwise I fear that you will show them your disrespect"13.
The love and respect children give to their parents must come from
the heart. A Vietnamese maxim says:
13 Analects 2,7 [One of the 4 Books: Higher (or Greater) Learning,
Chung Yung, Analects,
and Mencius , that attributed to Confucius (551-479 BCE)]
26
"How immeasurable is the loftiness of fatherhood
How relentless is the depth of mother's love
Respect and love them with your utmost
Heed the call of'Hieu' is the way of being children."
This maxim contains two requirements: one for parents and the other
for children.
Vietnamese tradition expects that parents must raise their children
to adolescence and ensure that they became successful in life. It's
truly a blessing if their achievements surpass those of their parents.
The successes of the children will ensure the parents' satisfaction.
Parents continue to follow up with their children, teaching them the
ways of life until their death, even when the children are already
well established in life. Vietnamese history recalls the story of
King Tu Duc and his Mother, Queen Tu Du or Madame Pham Thi Hang. The
Queen is a true mother. She always cares for her children but never
interferes with the king's official business. One day, the king found
some free time and he decided to go hunting in the Thuan Truc forest.
A heavy torrential rain came unexpectedly and it delayed his return.
The queen was so troubled and she sent the king's exec, Nguyen Tri
Phuong, to look for him. The exec located the king who was having
a rough time with high water and assisted him. By nightfall the king
arrived at the Royal Port and immediately he went to the queen's quarters
to present himself. The queen turned her back toward him and silently
placed a bamboo rod on the sofa. The king immediately understood the
hint; he lay down and put the rod on his back. After a long while
the queen removed the rod and said, "Your impulsive pleasures have
caused hardship on your subordinates; remember to reward them properly.
I forgive you now, come back to see me tomorrow." 14
Vietnamese culture considers the parent-child relationship as mutual
and interdependent as it is described in this proverb: "Children depend
on their parents; the old rely on their young". This kind of relationship
does not necessarily take away one's self-control and individual responsibility
but it is the foundation for a stronger communal life. Each person
becomes more aware of his or her relationship with one another, and
in turn each one is led to fulfill his or her duty in mutual love
and support. In this way of life, family becomes the foundation for
the society, the Church and the whole world. Each family has its own
worries and concerns, but members also share in its success and happiness
and actively contribute to its wellbeing
In a family "Hieu" represents the vertical relationship while "De"
is the horizontal line (the word "De" is the composition of the words
'younger brother' and 'respect'). This kind of relationship emphasizes
both brotherly and sisterly love and responsibility. It is described
the proverb:
14 Tran Trong Kim , A brief History of Vietnam
28
"One falls, the other lifts"
and the maxim:
"Brotherhood is likE the fingers and the hand, nothing can separate
them"
"Hieu-De" comes from a blood relationship. It is both God's law and
Vietnamese tradition upon which family-ancestry relationship is built.
The annual Memorial Feast is the manifestation of this relationship.
This is the time for family members to gather for prayers in memory
of the deceased, to exchange news and show support. Also, on this
occasion, family issues are discussed and solved, kinsfolk recognize
one another, and the young and the old share their dreams and successes.
Each member sees more clearly that they belong to a special ancestry,
and consequently would enhance their family fame and influence, and
reaffirm their efforts in life.
II.3 Love Life
Human life is invaluable. God used the earth and fashioned man. He
did not create man from nothing. He spoke and everything came into
existence. In order to create man, He did this with intention and
purpose. He spent time to think and used clay to form man after his
image, then He breathed into man's nostril and gave him life15. God
did not make death, and He does not delight in the death of the living16.
God gave man the Holy Spirit and made man its temple through baptism.
At the end of time, God will transform the mortal body and unite it
with the soul. The body and the soul will live with Him among the
angels and saints.
Vietnamese culture honors man as superior to all in the material world
and all living creatures. Many proverbs expressed this point: "A man
is worth ten times his possessions", or "When you're alive, you're
worth a hill of gold; when you die, nothing is your worth," and" Cover
yourself with your possessions. No one uses himself to cover his possessions".
Since human life is so important, nothing can be compared with its
value. The immortality of human spirit is a part of this belief; consequently,
the end of life is sacred, and no one has the right to terminate life
before its time. Christian belief and Vietnamese culture are together
on this point. When the commandment says: "Thou shall not kill," in
Vietnamese it means one must love life, and hate killing even in old
age or terminal illness.
Each human life has a purpose. One cannot kill oneself or ask others
to do it for whatever reason, even in the case of the baby in its
mother's womb. If the animals know how to protect and care for their
young until they learn to be selfefficient, how can a mother
give up the child of her womb? If civil and criminal laws protect
human life, then a baby in the womb also has the right to life.
15 Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-2 16 Wisdom 1:13-15
30
Abortion is a crime against human life on behalf of selfishness and
human pleasure. Human rights, without loving life, are meaningless!
One must protect human life. "Thou shall not kill" implies each individual
or a group, an embryo or an old person, is forbidden to do it out
in the open or in secret. To use harmful substances or engage in dangerous
activities is to kill slowly in an act of self-destruction. "Do you
not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in
you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's
temple is holy, and you are that temple17.
The principle of loving life has some exceptions in the case of death
for a higher cause. Many heroically ended their lives for the nation,
humanity or human development and for the one(s) they love. This is
an act of courage, not foolishness18. Christian history has many saints
who died for the faith. Vietnamese Catholic heritage also has 117
martyrs who were made saints for their heroic death. But before the
introduction of Christian values into Vietnam, death by suicide was
acceptable. There were many famous Vietnamese individuals who accepted
death for honor: General Hoang Dieu committed suicide when he failed
to protect the royal city, Special Envoy Phan Thanh Gian killed himself
after his unsuccessful diplomatic effort, etc. Vietnamese history
remembered them as heroes who gave up their lives in exchange for
their integrity and honor. These were the exceptions; otherwise they
were people who normally honored life.
In case of war and conflict, Vietnamese philosophy abhors war based
on hatred and personal gain. To fight for the nation, against injustice
and oppression, for the poor, and to safeguard peace are the noble
goals. Those who avoid this fight are cowards. Christian values honor
those who risk their lives for others. Jesus strongly recommended
those who out of compassion did not look the other way19, and reprimanded
the heartless Pharisees2o.
To respect all life and to live with honor are the principles of loving
life. This is the new law that Jesus gave at the Last Supper21. The
one who loves life is gentle in words and in deed.
11.4 Control Desire
God had something to do with love. In Genesis 2, He gave Adam his
wife. Adam was so happy to see Eve, he was grateful for having a life-long
partner. God was also satisfied and He rested because He saw the beautiful
success of His creation. They brought Him joy.
171 Corinthians 3:16-17
182 Maccabee 6-7; Luke 9:22-26; John 15:13 19 Luke 10:29-37
20 Matthew 23
21 John 13:34-35
32
"One Yin - One Yang is the only way"22, authentic Asian philosophy
promotes one man and one wife. "Hard and soft intercourse to produce
life"23, man and woman. attracted to one another to procreate and
develop. Human sexual intercourse is a natural need. Eros in itself
is normal; it's neither good nor bad. Rightful Eros means to have
intercourse with the right person, at the right time and in the right
way. This is good and just. Evil Eros is bad and sinful.
"Truat Duc" means to control desire. Human desire is limitless,
the more one has the more one wants. The wanting of something new
and different constantly feeds man's desire. This libido is always
active as long as we live. If it were left without restraint or direction,
it would take over our human will. One must be attentive to this human
tendency and keep it under control so that when the true test comes,
one may have a chance to overcome it. This is the courage of great
men and women throughout the ages.
A Vietnamese proverb states that: "Man's spirit has often fallen short
in the girls' world". This wisdom has repeatedly been proven correct.
David had many wives and concubines but still succumbed to the fatal
attraction of Bathsheba and sent Uriah, her husband, to his death24.
"Thou shall not commit adultery" is a great commandment. It protects
family integrity, safeguards marriage, and keeps children's life undisturbed.
A mandate in the Old Testament made it stronger: "If a man commits
adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the
adulteress shall be put to death25.
The above sentences forbid the act of adultery but the thought of
it is also harmful. David first committed adultery in thought when
he saw Bathsheba bathing and this thought led him to action. Jesus
clearly taught about this: "I say to you that everyone who looks at
a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart"26.
This teaching indicates that sexual relation is reserved for marriage
only; other than that it's adultery in thought.
11.5 Eliminate Greed
The Seventh Commandment (Thou shall not steal) and the Tenth (Thou
shall not covet thy'neighbor's goods) imply fairness and forbid stealing
or taking what is not yours. They are in accord with the two words
J/Liem" and J/Si" in Asian traditional virtues.
22 Thuong Truyen 5:1 (in Vietnamese) 23 Thuong Truyen 2:2 (in Vietnamese)
242 Samuel 11
25 Levi 20:10
26 Mathew 5:28
34
"Liem" is righteousness and honesty, knowing the truth and error,
the meaning of gain and loss. and what to take and what to leave behind.
In terms of fairness, it is to take in what you earn through hard
work and not by any illegal means; not to appropriate any property
that belongs to someone else or to the public, even if these things
were offered. In business transactions, it is to engage in equitable
exchange, not to accept contraband or counterfeited goods, nor to
give or accept bribe. In morality, it is not to induce or compel someone
to take his/her spouse (The Ninth Commandment also forbids it).
"Si" is shame and guilt, a self-criticism when one engages in any
immoral act. Without "Liem" one can take anything, and in the absence
of "Si" one can do anything. "Liem Si" is an inherent ability that
makes a person rise above his or her animalistic behavior, a minimum
requirement of being human before reaching the law of love.
God's law guides mankind in the disposal of one's possessions according
to His plan of creation. It also encourages man to avoid injustice.
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 teach that God gave us life and the ability
for procreation. He also granted us the power to master the earth,
sky and sea for survivability. This faculty was corrupted with the
Fall and people became selfish, greedy and avaricious..
Consequently God gave us His Law to help us live and act in a way
befitting his children. He carved his Law in stone27, pronounced His
moral rightness toward one's neighbors28, and fair treahnent toward
the poor29, and render to Caesar what is Caesar's30. The worship of
God requires living one's life in justice31. God punishes injustice
and selfishness32, and He sees everything33: God defends the rights
of the poor34. Jesus proposed this question "Will not God grant justice
to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?"35. Saint Paul commanded
that a believer must rise above any injustice36 and Saint James protested
against richness and injustice37. .
The story of Lazarus and the rich man38 presents us with these questions:
Why did that rich man go to hell after his death? There was no mention
of his sins except the fact that he loved to wine and dine while he
neglected poor Lazarus who was begging by his door. Isn't it true
that selfishness could lead one to hell?
27 Exodus 20:1-17
28 Levi 19:1-2, 11-18
29 Exodus 22
30 Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 1;2:13-17; Luke 20:20-26 31 Jeremiah 7;
Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
32 Amos 6
33 Amos 8:4-7
34 Psalm 71
35 Luke 18:1-8
361Corinthians 6:1-11
37 James 4:2-3, 5:1-4
38 Luke 16:19-31
36
Ownership is an inherent human right for security and human development
but its exploitation is prohibited. Properties that belong to others
or to the public are to be strictly observed. Damages caused to private
or public properties must be replaced and reimbursed. One must even
to go to confession and ask for forgiveness for this sin. It shall
not be forgiven without compensation or restitution39.
God's law forbids the taking of and lusting over your neighbors' goods.
To view them with envy is also prohibited: "You shall not covet your
neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor male
or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your
neighbor"4O.
11.6 Tame Your Tongue
The story in Genesis 3 indicated that the deceptive words of the serpent
defeated the mind and heart of Eve. With these few words all the beauty
of God's creation was destroyed.
Among all creatures only the human race has the language ability to
express the awesome world of feeling and thinking. Words transmit
knowledge, sentiments, comfort, constructive or destructive criticism.
They can bring either trouble or solution. "The tongue is a small
member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set
ablaze by a small fire! ... With it we bless the Lord and Father,
and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From
the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters,
this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening
both fresh and brackish water?"41.
God's law forbids lying. A false statement that comes from misinformation
is not a lie. It is a lie when it is deliberately intended to misinform
others. A lie is a lie when one does not tell the truth because of
fear or for the purpose of avoidance of responsibility. People often
use lies to cause trouble for others or to .make a better impression
of themselves to someone else.
"Taming one's tongue" is the core of self-discipline and a very important
Asian virtue. It requires one to be true to oneself and to others.
To be truthful to oneself is an internal process of the self in one's
thinking, searching for the truth and living it. It is the first task
in the training of human behavior. Words are the means for a person
to express himself or herself. A person - after mastering this task
- can effectively dialogue, lecture and write. If one possesses the
truth, one can influence others to make a better community. "Once
being asked 'Why does the art of self-discipline emphasize more on
the correction of words than
39 Nehemiah 5
40 Exodus 20:17
41 James 3:5-11
38
behavior?' Chu Hi said: 'A person's truthfulness is based on his or
her words. People are often careless in their expression and make
mistakes through their
verbage. If the word of a person is truthful, then he can be trusted.
A trustworthy person will manifest himself or herself through words.
Carelessness in words often implies negligence and unreliability.
Trustworthiness is the end and the taming of tongue is the mean" 42.
When a person makes an official statement of the truth in public or
in court, he or she places his or her left hand on the Bible and raises
the other hand toward heaven. This is an oath. The violation of an
oath is a breach of promise and an evasion of duty. The damages this
act causes might require a tough penalty. In the eyes of God the oath-breaker
is a liar and betrayer. He or she disregards God. Jesus teaches: "You
shall not swear falsely... Let your words be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No';
anything more than this comes from the evil one"43.
The Ten Commandments are the Ten Pillars and Rules for our life's
journey. They surround us to help us walk in the way, prevent us from
pitfalls and save us from eternal death.
42 Iching
43 Mathew 5:33-37
40
III. THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY
Our Lady stands above the boat. Below is a Vietnamese old lady holding
her grandchild, both covering themselves with a blanket to protect
them from the elements and there is water underneath. These images
symbolize the sacred journey of faith that many Vietnamese went through
to come to this country.
Our Lady helps them to repent and come to God. They want to follow
her example of faith in their lives.
Our Lady stands before the entrance of the church as she stands before
Bethlehem, at Golgotha and in the Upper Room of the Last Supper. She
is present here as she was at La Vang, Tra Kieu, Lourdes, Fatima and
Medjugorje. She invites each and everyone of her children to meet
her Son and to enter into a relationship with Him. There is but one
h'ue God, and there is also only one
Mother Mary, full of grace and Mother of God. She is also the Mother
of the Church yesterday, today and forever. She was at Nazareth, and
she is here at Our Lady Queen of Vietnam and everywhere in the world.
Her assumption to heaven gave her the crown of victory and time and
space cannot limit her presence. She silently guides her children
to this day and asks everyone to welcome Her Son.
IlL 1 The Well
We leave behind the mundane world in order to enter the sacred space,
the sanctuary. The Ten Pillars representing the Ten Commandments enlighten
us in our examination of conscience. Now we reach the water of cleansing
and it helps us to reconcile with God and with one another. The well
reminds us of the baptismal font. Have we forgotten our first renunciation
of Satan, sin and all the glamours of evil? How well have we fulfilled
the promise that we believe in God? Have we kept our lighted candles,
which we received at baptism, burning bright in our environment or
kept them hidden away? If our baptismal garment, the white dress,
is stained by sin we must cleanse it, we must confess. No matter when
and where we were baptized we received "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in
a1l44. All of us, through baptism, were buried with Jesus in baptism.
We were also raised with Him through faith in the power of God, who
raised Him from the dead. And when we were dead in trespasses and
the uncircumcision of our flesh, God made us alive together with Him,
when He forgave us all our trespasses45.
The baptismal font is our place of rebirth. In the conversation with
Nicodemus46 Jesus did not say that it is a procedure but it's a necessary
condition to enter the
44 Ephesians 4:5-6
45 Colossians 2:12-13
46 John 5
42
Kingdom of Heaven. We must be reborn in order to live a new life,
a spiritual life. From here we continue to grow and be mature in spirit.
Our spiritual being, like the physical one, must also grow.
Saint Paul highlights it in this way: "Do you not know that all of
us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his
death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the
Father, so we too might walk in newness of life47.
To receive baptism is to be immersed in the mystery of the death and
resurrection of Christ. It is to inherit the saving grace. Jesus not
only suffered humiliation, endured the Cross and died, He also triumphantly
rose from the dead. Death-Resurrection is the most unique transformation
process of the Paschal mystery. Jesus only died and rose once, and
believers also receive baptism only once.
Baptism is not magic. It is a sacrament in which Jesus is present
and acts. He was resurrected and is not restricted to the confinement
of time and space. In the sacraments, believers enter into a sacred
encounter with Him and are united with Him. The outward sacramental
signs, in and of themselves, do not give us grace. But Jesus uses
words, things and symbols to touch us through our senses, beliefs,
feelings and desire. He is the one who gives us grace. He is our Savior.
The baptismal font reminds us of the Village Well in the old Vietnamese
tradition. Water sustains us and nourishes all living creatures. Without
water there is no life. In ancient times, the elders assessed the
water source in the ground before establishing a village. If the source
was plentiful, the ground was chosen for the settlement. Wherever
there is a well there is a village. People can move a village but
not a well.
There is a special character of well water in its dispensing power.
The well will not be emptied out. No one can fill it up, but water
must be drawn out from it in order to keep the well active. The water
is free. Those who need it just come and draw from it. The well is
always there; it does not mind whether or not you come. It does not
call for you, it does not reject you. It is simply there for a purpose,
i.e., to provide water for everyone. The same is true of God's grace:
if you do not come and throw in the bucket and pull it up, you will
not have the water for drinking and cleansing.
Well water is sweet and pure; that is its character. You will experience
its sweetness when you drink, and its cleansing power when you wash.
Fresh and pure is the quality that well water gives to sustain living
things. Water is also humble; it will run into the lowest place. This
is also the quality of those who
47 Romans 6:3-11
44
serve God and His people48. Water is always consistent. It runs constantly.
Raindrops stay together and form into a stream, river and ocean. Until
it reaches the plain, water continues to flow. It travels through
mountains and valleys, thick forests and dangerous cliffs, water still
maintains its quality. It is humble and nurturing.
Well water has its sources and these sources connect witl1 one another,
with rivers and streams and with other subterranean reservoirs. The
well must be cleaned periodically; if not the mud would settle in
and it would no longer be useable. It is the same with humanity. Our
hearts and minds can stagnate over time. Without cleansing through
self-discipline, we will become dry and useless. We are born not only
for the purpose of enjoying life but also to contribute to the human
race. If we do not dispense our share, we are no longer good for anything.
We become the well, which is filled with mud, and render ourselves
useless. The intrinsic value of the well is in its production of fresh,
pure water.
III.2 The Boat
The image of a ship sailing on open seas has been the symbol of the
Church on earth since the Counter Reformation period. The Church-Ship,
in her small and frail structure over rough waters, is a humble reminder
of her struggle in the journey of life. At any point in time she could
face danger. After 2000 years she is still sailing strong despite
many storms. Our Lord's promise that He is with the Church until the
end has been the power behind her survival till this day. The story
of Jesus calming the storm49 recalled how many times throughout history
the Church called out to her Lord for deliverance. Our belief in Him,
demonstrated through prayer, has saved us from heresies, oppressions,
and internal conflicts. The Church continues to sail on through the
leadership of her captain, St Peter and His Successors, and the shipmates'
cooperation - Her Faithful.
A boat over water is also the image of each individual in the sea
of life. Each person, from birth to. death, has to endure many rough
times. Holding on to the rudder and guiding the ship on the right
course is everyone's task. One must have a goal in life and must strive
to achieve it. The Vietnamese call this effort "Lap Chi"; it is a
process of forming a goal in life and applying on_:s will power to
master ones life.
The boat is also the symbol of the Vietnamese refugees who struggled
on the South China Sea and now enjoy their new life in the United
States. Throughout the last 25 years they have proven their strong
faith in God expressed through prayer; their hard-work to overcome
the obstacles of language, culture and way of life as they continue
to journey on. .
48 Matthew 20:25-27; Luke 14:8-11
49 Mathew 8:23-26; Mark 4:35-40; Luke 8:22-25
46
III.3 Grandma and the Child on the Boat
This image is the true description of many Vietnamese. The great exodus
from Vietnam (1975-1990) had claimed many lives at sea, by the guns
of Communist patrol boats or by pirates. Only a small percentage of
people arrived safely.
"Grandma and the child" is a description of the heroic sacrifices
of the Vietnamese Mother. She has been giving her life away to care
for her husband and her children. And at this stage she should retire
and enjoy life, but the circumstance of life require her to give of
herself again - this time for her grandchildren. She took them from
their home to a new land for their future. Their parents could not
leave the country for fear of reprisal. If the escape was not successful,
they might lose their lives, honor, property, home and everything.
Grandma was entrusted with the task of raising the grandchildren in
a far away land. Even if she had to labor with minimum wage and menial
work she wouldn't mind. Her only wish is to see her grandchildren
have a good future.
The grandchildren are grown now but this image will never fade away.
"Grandma and the child" are never alone, they are under the protection
of Our Lady. Grandma would not hold on to the hardship - physical
and mental- that she endured but she always remembers the miracle
at sea that they were saved through the loving hands of Our Lady.
Their images playa secondary role to the main image - Our Lady is
holding the Child Jesus standing on top of the shrine.
Our Lady
Our Lady and the Child Jesus are not alone. She brings Christ to the
world yesterday, today and always. Parishioners of this church will
honor her and want her to be their Mother. They will want to keep
her close in their hearts, their homes and their church.
Our Lady has her parents, Joachim and Ann. Elizabeth and Mary of Cleophas
are her cousins50. She was married, her husband was Joseph, a carpenter51,
she had her first Child and named Him Jesus52. She is full of grace53
and is blessed among women54. She is the Immaculate Virgin and was
assumed into heaven after her mission on earth was completed. The
Lord is with her55 and she always follows God's will56
50 Luke 1:39-45; John 19:25 51 Luke 1:27
52 Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:21
53 Luke 1:28
54 Luke 1:42
55 Luke 1:28
56 Luke 1:38; John 19:27
48
In her youth, she lived a normal life but she was chosen to be the
Mother of the Son of God. She lived on after Pentecost. Her appearance
at that time perhaps showed the aging process through her white hair
and wrinkled skin. She never lost her motherly, holy and graceful
image. She was a virgin and mother, then a widow and Spiritual Mother
to all the faithful. She knows and experiences life, and She wants
to show her care for all God's children, especially women. She loves
all members of the Body of Christ, her Son.
The New Testament mentions her in only a few places. The three most
important moments were the Incarnation, the Passion and Pentecost.
In the Incarnation, the angel Gabriel greets her "Hail, full of grace!"57.
This simple greeting contains all the mysteries of her life. Grace
is her character and she is God's most favorite. "Full of Grace" is
not her condition but her stainless person. God chose. her so that
all women may follow her example.
In the Passion, she stood beneath the Cross58 to partake in the bitter
cup of Her Son. According to John, the Cross of Christ and Golgotha
are for the glory of God59. It is the time when "It is completed!"6O.
When Christ saw Mary standing near the Cross, He placed her at the
center of this mystery. She not only shared in the defeat and death
of her Son but she also shared with Him in His glorious victory because
she was nearer to Christ than anyone on earth61. Also at Golgotha
she was given a new role, i.e. to be mother of John, mother of the
Church and all believers. From now on the faithful come to her, rest
on her lap, grasp her dress and ask her to teach them and care for
them.
Our Lady was present in the mystery of Pentecost. After the Ascension
of Christ the apostles were constantly devoting themselves to prayer,
together with certain women, including Mary, the Mother of Jesus,
as well as his "brothers" 62. Saint Luke mentioned her by name as
the "Mother of Jesus" together with the names of the apostles. It
was because Our Lady had an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit
that the Holy Spirit had never left her since the Annunciation63.
It was the same Holy Spirit that came upon Mary and the apostles at
Pentecost. The Apostle Creed expresses this belief with the statement,
"I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary." It was
Mary and the Holy Spirit that brought Jesus Christ into the world,
it was she who shared with Him in the suffering on the Cross, and
it was she who became the Mother of the Church when the Church was
born at Pentecost. After that moment her visible role was done and
she remained hidden like the life of a cloistered nun; her life is
hidden with
57 Luke 1:28
58 John 19:25
59 John 12:23-27; 17:1 60 John 19:30
61 Romans 8:17
62 Acts 1:14
63 Luke 1:35.
50
Christ and in God64. In this moment she may not be seen but she is
standing next to Jesus Christ, working with the Holy Spirit in order
to intercede for the Church and nurture the members of the Body of
Christ.
Mary is a model of living faith. She understood God's message but
did not question God's way. And when the angel clarified God's intention
with double affirmatives - she was ready to say "Yes" to God's wil165
because she trusted in the power of God.
Mary is also the model servant of God and of others. At Golgotha,
she did not weep and wail in the way we mourn the dead. She just stood
there next to the Cross. This act symbolized her Co-Redemptive role
with her Son. She courageously and silently accepted God's will. Jesus'
last word to John was, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the
disciple took her into his own home"66. This is a brief description
of her entire life. Hers was a life that depended totally on God and
trusted in His will for her. She let God determine for her life from
her youth until the end. She is the symbol of spiritual poverty, the
necessary condition to be God's servant. She gave up her life for
her Son and now for her Son's disciples and all mankind.
Mary is the model of a life of prayer. She did not heap up empty phrases67
but she prayed constantly with her whole life. She called on her Son
for those in need and acted as she believed that the request will
be accepted68. She waited on God and hoped that God would answer to
her prayer69.
Many Vietnamese refugees came to Mother Mary before they ventured
out for the unknown journey to freedom. They asked for help and she
protected them. The request was answered, but do they come to her
now in thanksgiving? Do they remember what they promised to her if
their prayers were heard? By making Mary the Mother of this community,
the Vietnamese remind themselves of her love and care for them.
Our Lady may stand here - above the boat or by the well, at Fatima,
Medjugorje or even in our home. She wants God's children to repent,
to fast, to pray, and to be reconciled with God and with one another.
She wants us to share and to live in peace.
Our Lady brought her Jesus to the world two thousand years ago and
she continues to be here today. She advises all believers to find
her Son. Sometimes she publicly appears to remind individuals, communities,
or the whole human
64 Colossians 3:3
65 Luke 1:36-38
66 John 19:27
67 Matthew 6:7
68 John 2:3
69 Isaiah 65:24
52
race to return to God. At Golgotha she became the Mother of all believers
and therefore she does not want anyone to be lost. In this Church
she watches over her children. She is with them not only here, but
also at home, at work and at play. This community believes that she
is with them in all their prayers, protects them and keeps them in
unity with her Son and with the Church. She is their loving and caring
Mother.
54
IV. THE CHURCH
IV.l The Square and Round Shapes
The church's foundation and the altar are square. The ceiling of the
church has a round form. "Round" and "Square" represent Heaven and
Earth, Father and Mother, Yin and Yang. Vietnamese tradition has a
myth to convey their meaning, the story of two rice cakes - Banh Chung
(square) and Banh Day (round).
Sometime ago in the pre-historic era of the Hong Bang Dynasty (2879-258
Be) King Hung Huy of the Van Lang nation, after defeating the "An"
rebels, and restoring peace and order in his kingdom, wanted to transfer
his power to his children. The dilemma, however, was to select the
right person among his 20 sons. He summoned them and said: "He among
you who will supply me with the best foodstuffs ever known thus far,
as memorial offerings at our patriarchs' altar from now to the year's
end, will get the throne."
All the princes went out in their diligent search for the most rare
and exquisite food. They looked for them in the market places, up
on the mountains and down by the sea, and brought back all kinds of
savory edibles.
The ninth prince, Lang Lieu, lost his mother early in life and had
no one to counsel with. He had a dream that an angel came to him saying:
"Rice is the best among all the consumables. It is a staple food,
people live on it and never get tired of it, and nothing can be compared
to it. Use sweet rice and make a square cake to represent Earth, and
a round one for Heaven, and fill the insides with delicious stuffing.
These symbols embrace Heaven and Earth, attribute to the blessings
of the gods which will entice them to bestow divine favors on the
people. Do it and you will win the throne.”
Lang Lieu woke up and filled with joy, he said to himself: "1 must
do what the angel instructed me./I For the square cakes, he selected
the choicest rice, washed and drained it. He made special fillers,
covered them with rice and used special waxed leaves (la dong) to
wrap them. He cooked them and gave them the name Banh Chung. He also,
cooked plain rice, pounded it fine and form it into round shape cakes
to represent Heaven and call them Banh Day.
The competition day was. set and the king called his sons to present
their findings. They all brought in a multitude of food except Lang
Lieu who presented only the round and square cakes. The king was taken
by surprise and
asks for an explanation. Lang Lieu answered as the angel had instructed.
The king tasted the cakes and found them delicious and untiring, nothing
else could be compared to these cakes. He applauded Lang Lieu and
gave him the first place. At the New Year the king used the cakes
for ceremonial offerings to the gods and served them to his parents.
Common folk imitated this practice and
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made it a tradition until this day. They used his name and called
it "The Lieu Peast". King Hung Huy gave Lang Lieu the throne.
Prince Lang Lieu was not the oldest, nor the king's favorite. The
king was not a glutton because he had daily all the exquisite food
he wanted. His decision to grant the throne to Lang Lieu highlights
this fact - this prince mastered the application of essential tradition,
culture and values into practice. He manifested his ability to govern
the nation and to bring prosperity to the people with the nation's
resources
Banh Day is the main gift among the offerings for God and the villages'
deities. It is a firm, jellied, milky white round mass. It is a fitting
gift for the Lord of Heaven and Earth and for people to recognize
His superior power in governing the world from above. The local deities
also share this honor for they are responsible for local tasks. After
the ceremonial offering some cakes are left at the altar, while the
rest are taken home to share with others. It is customary today to
distribute these cakes as gifts as the sign of gratitude to God and
the desire to share God's blessings with those around them. A Vietnamese
proverb says, "God's blessings must not be exploited selfishly" .
Banh Chung is the special cake for Tet (New Year). Its square and
straight lines properly display the package of the fruits from the
Earth. The well-packed cake is like the fullness of a mother's love
that nourishes her children. She cares for them from the time they
are in the womb to the moment of her death. Whenever people eat this
cake, especially at the New Year's festival, they reflect on their
mother's love. The green color of the leaf is absorbed into the cake
and gives it a yellowish color after it is cooked. This is the combination
of green and yellow colors that represent life and its uncertainty.
They celebrate life in the New Year, but they also know of the obscure
future but wish for the best.
A good Banh Chung partially depends on the skillful hands of the maker
for the look, but the determining factor is in its content. Vietnamese
language uses the word "Nhan" for the inside. It's a play on word
because "Nhan" also means a human person or the human race. As the
inside is the combination of many ingredients such as bean, meat,
fat, onion, sugar, cinnamon and anise, so is the make up of a society.
Each individual contributes to the good of the society. If one plays
one's role well, the society benefits; if one plays one's role badly,
one ruins the taste of that Banh Chung, that is his or her social
or family group. No one can stand alone outside of one's community.
The round and square of rice cakes are the rich symbols of life. Heaven
and Earth, father and mother, Yin and Yang; they are life principles
and the natural condition of things. When the two elements are harmonized
the world is a better place, family life is harmonious and the society
is at peace. The Square represents reason, righteousness, law, order,
ethics and accepted norms. The Round means generosity, refrain from
judgment, full of affection and compassion for all.
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Round- Square philosophy is the allegory of discernment for the way
to live in a complex world. They remind people of certain principles
and lessons in life. These are the lessons of ethics and etiquette
expressed through symbols. They are not literally written on paper,
but have the power to transmit profound knowledge; they are not carved
in stone, but are found in the soul; not forced into the head, but
touching the heart and transforming lives. Round-Square interacts
with one another to bring harmony to life.
IV.2 The Curved Roof
The curves on the church's roof resemble the gentle, graceful and
lively efforts to bring about harmony in the Vietnamese mind and their
ways of life. The curves on the church's roof indicate the harmonious
union between Round and Square, reason and feeling, mind and heart.
Many Vietnamese scholars agree on this point.
In general, they all concur that these curves demonstrate the harmony
between the Round and Square. The late Father Luong Kim Dinh and Father
Vu Dinh Trac mentioned that the archeological findings of "Trong Dong"
(The Copper Drum) of Dong Son reaffirmed the existence of these lines.
Fathers Trac and Tran Cao Tuong attributed the origin of these curves
to the Banh Day - Banh Chung folklore. Father Trac claimed that the
curved roof had a Vietnamese origin thousands of years before the
Common Era (BCE), in contrast with Japan's Nara Temple, dated 730
BCE; and Tang Dynasty Temples in China in 630 BCE. He added his comment
that the Vietnamese form deliberately expressed the Vietnamese spirit
through its gentle appearance in contrast to the rigid form of Japan
and the inflexible shape of China. The Vietnamese form means that
they are more ready to adapt and adjust to life than the others.
Father Tuong offered his special observation when he studied the Cathedral
of Phat Diem. "There is a 'Phuong Dinh' that represents the village
temple in the square shape standing in front of the church. This is
the common meeting place and the Square represents the Earth. People
come to church carrying with them all earthly concerns and they wish
that their lives would be transcended and they would reach God Who
is their ultimate happiness and perfection symbolized through the
Round."
The curves on the roof of Our Lady of Vietnam Church embrace these
traditional meanings and more than that. They resemble the flying
Phuong-Hoang's wings. Phuong-Hoang (Phoenix) is an Oriental legendary
bird, one of the Four Totemic Animals (dragon, wolf, turtle, and phoenix).
Phuong-Hoang is the most superior bird with mystical power. Phuong
is the male and Hoang the female. They reflect the state of happiness
and harmony in family life because they only make their home where
there is peace; if not, they would hide away where no one could find
them. Americans may feel affinity to this symbol with the eagle in
their culture.
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IV.3 The Egg
There is an "Egg" on top of the church. There are two hands holding
the "Egg" to represent Our Lady's or God's hands caring for the Vietnam
Nation. The "Egg" is the myth of the origin of Vietnam. It is the
fruit of the union between Lac Long Quan and Au Co - the Dragon and
the Nymph - the "founders" of Vietnamese nation and people. Au Co
gave birth to an egg and it developed into one hundred human beings
that became the Vietnamese people. This story is definitely not an
historical account, but it has profound implications.
In the Vietnamese mind, the egg is round and it is the symbol of God
and. His perfect love. It is also a new life in natural order of things.
Every living being originates from God and is in God but also through
the natural process of a union between the male and female. God intended
this way when he created the world. The male-female, Yin-Yang, body-soul,
father-mother and matter-spirit are to be united and made harmonious
in order to bring out balance and peace.
As a nation, the egg signifies the unity of Vietnamese people. They
may be mountaineers of various tribes, or people in the plains, rich
or poor, and North, South or Central Highland folk, but they are one
nation and have one origin. This folklore indicates the kind of history
Vietnam has been proud of since ancient times: a united multi-ethnic
group.
As a family, the egg highlights the importance of children and the
parenting roles. The traditional roles of father and mother are not
limited to economic needs but also emphasize the nurturing and care
that parents give to their children. They want them to become successful
and they are always ready to protect and care for them as long as
they live. They sacrifice themselves for the children's future to
the point that divorce or separation is not an option. A Vietnamese
Proverb says "Like a house that needs a roof so children need their
father. II Numerous Vietnamese songs praise the mother and her love.
The Dragon-Nymph folklore presents the ideal father-mother images
and does not intend to "make anyone inferior to anyone else. The Dragon
in Oriental mythology is an omnipotent being that has the power of
God. It draws water from the ocean, makes rain and waters the earth.
It has the power to bless people and to destroy them (good vs. bad
weather) and a nation that heavily relies on agriculture and the fishing
industry truly wants to make the Dragon its chief totem. The Dragon
is also a fierce animal which will fight to its death if its freedom
is restricted. The Ly's Revolt, led by Ly Cong Van against Chinese
oppression, successfully used this symbol and won victory in 1010
BCE. He moved the capital from Dai La to a new location and gave it
the name Thang Long (Flying Dragon) which is the Hanoi of today. The
Dragon became the symbol of hope, luck, courage and human dignity.
The expression, "When the Dragon rides on the cloud, patriots exercise
their initiatives," has been used to call for nationalistic sentiment
among their men throughout history in times of war and conflict.
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The folklore said that when Au Co was born in Lang Suong cavern, all
flowers in that region perfumed. Being a Tien (nymph) she is the ideal
woman that represents beauty and happiness. Tien is pure, faultless,
uncontaminated and innocent. Vietnamese people use the expression
"Beautiful or happy as Tien" to describe their high state of life
satisfaction. Life as Tien's is a blissful state, living in the midst
of nature, enjoying the whispers of the winds, the singing of birds,
and everything is in harmony with everyone else. Tien's heart is philanthropic,
benevolent and full of love; she is always ready to help people in
need. Where there is Tien, that place becomes the Garden of Eden.
The Vietnamese people proudly claim their heavenly ancestral heritage
through their Dragon-Nymph (Rong- Tien) folklore. This union represents
an ideal life for a family, a community and the whole world.
IV.4 The Map of Vietnam
There is a map of Vietnam on the Egg. The light shines on it day and
night to remind the Vietnamese that they must keep their lights shining.
They are grateful that America has welcomed them, and given them "a
home. It is their duty to preserve their good reputation, to bring
honor to their former ancestors, and to tell the world the true reason
why the Vietnamese are present here.
They escaped from an atheistic regime. They do not want to be trapped
in a materialistic world now. The Vietnamese do not forget their proverbs,
"Better name than good clothes... Being hungry but always clean; being
poor but never losing dignity... Better to die with honor than to
live in disgrace..." and they may struggle to make a "living but continue
to uphold their traditional values. Their freedom now is real; not
on meaningless paper as with their former government. The American
Constitution and Laws are standard now, and are not selectively applied
as in their past. They successfully escaped from an oppressive government
that systematically and covertly persecuted them in the past; they
will not lose their faith now.
Their faith has been supported by a great tradition: their forefathers
believed in God and the immortality of the souls; 117 of their heroic
martyrs were made Saints. They must keep this animating force alive.
They must seek the truth because their former state controlled them
through false doctrine and by force. The truth will set you free!70
The Truth is in God's word and His Law of love is the guide71. A Vietnamese
maxim has this saying: "Brother Squash, please don't forget me, the
Zucchini; though we are different we are on the same trellis."
70 John 8:32
71 John 13:34-35
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All the time-honored practices - ethics and values of the Vietnamese
culture must be maintained and passed on to the next generations.
They must not become lost in America because they have had a long
four thousand years of civilization as their heritage. The Vietnamese
people living in this new era of cross-cultural influence must preserve
their beauties and learn what is good in the new culture without losing
the old so as to make a successful merge and then beautifully emerge
and rise with the New Millennium. We all wish that!
IV.5 The Cross
The Cross is the symbol of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection.
It is the sign of God's love for each and every one. Our Lord Jesus
has borne our infirmities, carried our sicknesses and diseases72;
He took up the Cross and was crucified and died on the Cross73. The
Cross of Christ is not only something of the past as an historical
event but is still real today. He did it for each and everyone of
us today, tomorrow and to the end of time.
Everyone has his own cross; it is our human condition. There is a
saying: "Life is a sea of sorrows". This is but a realistic acknowledgment
of a truth in life. We have our family struggles and they may be economic,
spiritual, in interpersonal relationships and responsibilities. Our
personal lives also go through the pain of growing up, our labor,
and our search for an identity and meaning of life. Our society has
many vivid reminders of the presence of sickness, disease, crime and
various injustices. The Vietnamese understand well the meaning of
the Cross because they experienced it through the war, in the post
war re-educational camps and new economic zones, and in their making
a living. Despite all these hardships they continue to uphold the
Cross.
The Vietnamese Catholics, like all other Christians, believe that
Cross of Christ brought victory. There is no resurrection without
the Cross. Saint Luke reaffirmed us: "Was it not necessary that the
Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?"74.
Saint John also hinted several times the reminders of Christ: "When
you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am
he..."75, and "1, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself"76.
Catholics see that the Cross has two dimensions. The vertical line
unites man with God and the horizontal one unites us with one another
through the embrace of Christ on the Cross. The Cross is for them
a sign of reconciliation, unity and solidarity of the human race.
The writings of Saint Paul manifested this wish and dream in this
new environment: "May I never boast of anything except the
72 Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:16-18; John 1:29
73 Matthew 27:32-50; Mark 15:21-37; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:17-30
74 Luke 24:26, 46
75 John '8:27
76 John 12:23
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cross of our Lord Jesus Christ... for I carry the marks of Jesus branded
on my body"77. He might reconcile both groups to God in one body through
the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it" 78. They
see that Christ is still carrying the cross with them and they want
to unite theirs with Christ's. The Cross is their present struggle,
their hope for the future and their promise of eternal life. They
want to follow Christ as they lift the Cross on high.
IV.6 Four Doors
Besides the Triple Gateway at the entrance as mentioned before, there
are three other doors - one on each side of the church. These four
doors represent time and seasons: year-month-day-hour, and Spring-Summer-Fall-Winter.
Time and seasons follow one another. Things change and events take
place. Man wants to control time, but God is the One in charge. The
Vietnamese people understand well this expression, "Man proposes and
God disposes". Christ has said: "therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about
your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the
body more than clothing?"79, and they take his words to heart. Their
for_fathers also taught them this lesson in the saying: "Tough times
won't last; fortune shall come in due time." It carries the same meaning
with the quote we have in modern time: "Tough times won't last; tough
people do!" Consequently, they continue to demonstrate this work ethic
wherever they are.
The earth also has four directions: East-West-North-South. The Four
Doors of the church also face these four directions with the main
entrance facing the East to receive new life from the rising of the
sun. These doors also remind them that God's people will come to Him
from the Four Corners of the Earth. They come from all walks of life
and claim the One and True God. The Vietnamese language has this expression:
"From four oceans we become brothers and sisters." This saying manifests
their desire to rise above the barriers of ethnic differences and
promote unity. All God's people are welcomed here.
The number four has many meanings in biblical language. Figuratively
speaking, this number has a plural sense. The first example was the
forty days of the Great Flood. The second was the journey of the Israelites
in the desert. The third instance was when Jesus entered the desert
for forty days. And the forth incidence occurred when Jesus stayed
with His disciples for forty days from His Resurrection to the Ascension.
In the context of this book, only the last three incidences are mentioned.
First, God's people, under the leadership of Moses, traveled for a
long time (40 years) in the wilderness. God tested them in many ways
during this journey. They rebelled by making the Golden Calf, and
God gave them the Ten
77 Galatians 8:14-18
78 Ephesians 2:16
79 Matthew 6:25
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Commandments. They were dying from hunger and thirst and God gave
them Manna from heaven and water from the rock; serpents bit them
and God came to their rescue. Through all these trials and tribulations
God was always with them Wltil they reached the Promised Land. This
is also the symbol of the Church in her earthly pilgrimage before
reaching heaven. Here on earth, all believers are pilgrims and fellow
travelers with one another. They, as individuals or a community, may
struggle in their journey of faith. The time may be long but they
shall reach their ultimate destination, which is heaven, if they journey
with God.
Second, Jesus entered the desert for forty days before He began His
public ministry80. During this time He fasted, prayed, was tempted
and prevailed. God's people experience life in the same way when they
want to seek God's will for them. Their discernment for a meaningful
life may also require them to go through many ups and downs before
they find the way.
Furthermore, as Jesus spent a notably long time (40 days) to give
His disciples the last lessons before he left them in the Ascension,
the same way may apply to those who want to be His disciples. They
must open their eyes to look for His presence when they come to church,
listen to His teachings, pray and fast, and ask Him to stay with them.
They come to church through these four doors and with these ideas
in mind. They come as Jesus once said, "Come to me, all you who are
weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest"81.
Through these four doors Jesus calls them to come to Him, to church,
to God's family, to be with one another and with God. Come to Me,
come my children, these doors are open!
IV.7 Five Steps
The Five Steps, in Oriental philosophy, are the Five Virtues (or Norms)
of being human, which are: Humanity, Duty, Cordiality, Understanding
and Faithfulness. These virtues are required for anyone who wants
to be a saint, but one must be human first. When a person goes to
church, he or she also must examine his or her conduct in life. These
virtues or norms have been the perpetual guiding light for the Vietnamese
even after the arrival of Christianity.
"Humanity" is translated from the word "NHAN" that means man, a hum | |
