James O'Reilly
Against all odds, Cardinal Văn Thuận
endured torture, imprisonment, and isolation in the most violent and harsh forms, but discovered the true 'Way of Hope' during the 13 years of his captivity under Vietnamese Communism.
He wrote down his discoveries in a book that went on to become a bestseller—and 50 years later, it is more relevant than ever.
WALDERY HILGEMAN
Postulator of the cause for beatification
In my view, it's an incredibly important book because it comes from lived experience. It's not a theoretical book, nor a collection of sermons. It's an experience that has been lived in the flesh, and that's why it still speaks today. It's authentic and speaks the language of everyone: Catholics and non-Catholics and believers and non-believers. It reaches the heart of humanity.
Three dicasteries of the Vatiacan were involved in hosting an event that highlighted and honored Cardinal Văn Thuận's testimony. The prefects of the three dicasteries were in attendance.
Among those in attendance at the event was someone very close to Cardinal Văn Thuận, who knew him all too well—his sister.
ÉLISABETH THI THU HONG
Sister of Cardinal Văn Thuận
Young people need a sense of direction—a place where they can find serenity and a solid foundation for their families. That's why I believe his testimony of hope in times of trouble is really a good example for us right now. We are living in very dark times, but hope gives us the courage to know that God is there—and that God, the power of God, always has the final word.
In 1975, Pope Paul VI made Văn Thuận the Archbishop of Saigon, Vietnam. Months later, he was kidnapped by the communist regime. It was during this time his suffering became a devotion.
ÉLISABETH THI THU HONG
Sister of Cardinal Văn Thuận
As you know, we Vietnamese, for a long time, grew up in war. We never knew anything else.
And now, of course, our country is completely communist, but we are starting to rebuild our lives and starting to learn to live together, to accept one another—so the testimony of reconciliation and forgiveness is so extremely important.
A sibling bond is one of the strongest connections between people, but it becomes even stronger when it takes on an almost paternal quality. The cardinal and his younger sister were 23 years apart in age.
ÉLISABETH THI THU HONG
Sister of Cardinal Văn Thuận
And...the most memorable experience I had with him was the first time I was going to confession. And it was him behind the screen, and when he opened it he said, 'Oh Elizabeth, it's you.' And I said, 'Oh my God, you're not going to tell Mom and Dad what I'm telling you?' And he said, 'Oh no, behind this, with my stole and I'm sitting here, I am Jesus. So you can tell me all you want.'
'The Way of Hope' has been translated into over 10 languages and contains the reflections of a priest who discovered the meaning of life through the suffering of persection and violence—a work that still moves hearts and inspires holiness around the world.
