VNRs would like to introduce the whole letter:
CONGREGATIO SS. REDEMPTORIS
Superior Generalis
November 16, 2011
V. Rev. Vincent Pham Trung Thành, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Superior,
Redemptorist Province of Vietnam
Dear Fr. Vincent,
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer! As you know, we are presently meeting with all the English-speaking Redemptorist Provincials Superiors in Rome, Italy (November 11-19). Today, we are at our house in Materdomini, at the Shrine of St. Gerard. All of us will remember you and the Province of Vietnam in our prayers today.
We are very sorry that you are not able to be present with us because the Vietnamese government has prevented you from leaving the country. This is most unfortunate. Many of the Provincial Superiors would have liked to speak with you directly.
I want to assure you that we keep you in our prayers, and hope that the government will soon permit you to participate again in meetings outside Vietnam. This is important for all Redemptorists because we are an international Congregation. These meetings strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among us, and provide an important means of communication. However, let me assure you that your absence actually deepens our fraternal bonds, especially in prayer.
We admire the commitment of the Province of Vietnam, and your own personal commitment, to support all efforts for justice and peace, especially for those in Vietnam who suffer from violence, from injustice, and from the efforts of those in the communist regime who do abuse or ignore human rights. We have read the articles published about the recent attacks on the Redemptorist house in Hanoi. We pray that true justice will prevail and that the rights of all confreres and parishioners will be fully respected.
May Jesus our Most Holy Redeemer, the prayers of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and the example of St. Alphonsus bring you strength and hope, today and always.
Your brother in the Most Holy Redeemer,
(V. Rev.) Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R.
Superior General
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C.P. 2458 – 00100 ROMA – ITALIA
Via Merulana, 31 – 00185 ROMA – ITALIA
