Yesterday I went with Bishop Joseoh to confirmation at Tin Thian parish, about eight miles from Phat Diem. As always before an important ceremony, there was a procession here you can see the boys who are to be confirmed the girls are on the other side of the boys.
The elder women always walk last in the procession showing the importance in village life. The wear the ao dai (ao zai), the traditional formal dress of Vietnam. Umbrellas are a must in the hot summer sun. Even though it was 9:30 a.m., the temperature was already 90 degrees and humid.
In the front of the procession is the traditional complement of drums. These go first to ward off the evil spirits. They are loud and I can tell you the musicians take this job seriously. The sound ranges from the very deep large drum to ear-shattering cymbals.
Tin Thuan church was built by the people and beautiful inside. The Gifts of the Faithful were placed at the entrance of the church to be taken up later by two of the confirmed. Everything was simple and prepared with care.
Here is a view of the interior of the church. The large book you see contains the words and rhythms for the song being sung for the choir. Traditionally, there had been little money for sing books, so this was the work around. The calligraphy is beautiful.
After lunch, the local priests and elders had a small lunch with us while the families went to thir homes for celebrations. These are the times I get to see my old friends from all over and laugh, some I have known for ten years. It's always a good time with Fr. Phong as our host at Tin Thuan parish.
Here is Nam Vu working his keyboard. Now entering 8th grade, he is quite the conversationalist. It's hard to believe that I have kn...