When I arrived in Phat Diem two weeks ago, I saw this incongrous goat. Although I walked past him many times during the day, it never occurred to me to ask why there is a goat tethered to a tree across from the bishop's house. Well, here's the deal.A few weeks ago, the bishop celebrated the sacrament of confirmation in Son Luy parish, not very far away. There were many children and everyone had a great time. At the end of the ceremony, the parish presented him with the goat as a gift. I'm not sure how common this is, but the bishop confirms all over the diocese every few weeks, and I've never seen a goat here before.
So what to do with the goat? This past year, beginning last July, was named the Year of the Priest by Pope Benedict. Of course, there will be a celebration for the end of the year. And guess what is going to be the main dish for all the priests of the diocese a week from Sunday? You guessed it. The Vietnamese say that if you call it and it doesn't come, you can eat it.
My students wanted to name the goat. They decided on "Dinner."
