In a powerful personal reflection, Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will reveal his experience with the atrocities of the Vietnam War to mark its 50th anniversary.
Hosted by the Australian Catholic Historical Society (ACHS), the event will be held on Sunday 16 March 2025 at 2pm in the Crypt of St Patrick’s at Church Hill (Grosvener Street), The Rocks, Sydney.
The Vietnam War (1954–75), was a protracted conflict between the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies in South Vietnam (known as the Viet Cong) against the government of South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States of America.
The death toll was extensive, with as many as 3.8 million casualties in total, and nearly half of these deaths were civilians. More than 1,180 Vietnamese-born Catholics live in the Diocese of Parramatta, based on latest research.
Bishop Vincent once shared his story in Catholic Outlook, explaining how following the fall of Saigon in 1975, he and his family were forced to flee their home of Vietnam.
“I left on a very small boat, only six or seven metres in length. We had over 100 people on board, so it was extremely overcrowded,” he recalled.
His religious motto to “go into the deep” (Luke 5:4) was spurred by his past experiences as a second-generation refugee.
“The challenges that faced me then, including being a refugee have shaped me into the person I am today,” he told Catholic Outlook.
He feels the plight of today’s refugees, and implores future change in attitudes and policies in Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
“As Christians, we cannot remain content with the status quo, especially when that status quo is less than what God wants for us as individuals and as a community. Australia is a wonderful country, but where it is in terms of its treatment of asylum seekers should galvanise us into action.”
Members and non-members are welcome to join us in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Attendance is free but a gold coin donation for afternoon tea is welcome.
The event is part of a series hosted by ACHS, which kicked off in February.
Bookings not required, we invite you to come along to this engaging event. Find out more on the Diocese of Parramatta’s Events page.
For more information, email secretaryachs@gmail.com
For the full speaker program, please visit the ACHS website.
