Family reunion, spread love
The Christmas atmosphere has filled all parishes and churches in Quang Binh province. For Catholics, this is a special occasion for family reunion and sharing love.
However, for workers far from home, Christmas Eve also brings many unforgettable emotions when celebrating the festival in a far away place.
These days, in Quang Binh province, the cold weather blends with the atmosphere of Christmas approaching. Throughout parishes and churches, sparkling lights and the magical Bethlehem grottoes are ready to welcome the great holiday. For Catholics, Christmas is not only an occasion to celebrate the birth of Jesus but also a sacred moment for family reunion and spreading love.
However, not everyone has the opportunity to return home during this holiday. Many workers who live far from home for work have chosen parishes and churches in Quang Binh to celebrate Christmas in a warm and close atmosphere.
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Xuan (from Hai Duong province) has lived and worked in Quang Binh for more than 10 years. Recalling the Christmases in his hometown, he said: “In those days, my family and I were busy preparing to decorate the nativity scene, clean the house and celebrate the holiday. The atmosphere was so warm when the whole parish went to mass together at night, immersing themselves in the hymns and sacred rituals at the church.”
This Christmas, Mr. Xuan cannot return to his hometown, but he still finds comfort when he goes to Tam Toa Parish in Dong Hoi City.
“Everywhere is my hometown. Tam Toa Parish is the place where I and everyone can fulfill our wishes and celebrate Christmas in a warm and loving atmosphere,” Mr. Xuan shared.
Similarly, Ms. Hoai Thuong - a native of Le Thuy district, also chose to celebrate Christmas at Tam Toa Parish instead of returning to her hometown. In previous years, her family often gathered, had a warm dinner and exchanged blessings. This year, due to her busy work schedule, she chose to celebrate Christmas here.
Best wishes
The festive atmosphere has been pervading the churches in Quang Binh for many days. Parishes and churches are splendidly decorated with lights, Christmas trees and Bethlehem grottos. Many people, especially young people, have flocked to the churches to visit and take souvenir photos. The sparkling scenery of the churches, bell towers and Christmas symbols create a bustling and joyful atmosphere.
On the occasion of Christmas this year, leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quang Binh province, the Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Commission, the Provincial People's Committee, and districts and towns visited and congratulated parishes in the area. Wishes of peace, health and solidarity were sent to priests, the Pastoral Council and parishioners, demonstrating the spirit of companionship and sharing of the government with the Catholic community.
The Christmas atmosphere of 2024 in Quang Binh, with its chilly but warm moments, promises to bring beautiful and meaningful memories not only to Catholics but also to everyone.
