A meaningful Talk Show took place on the first floor of the pastoral centre of Redemptorist Church in Hanoi, with the theme: “SERVANT OF GOD, BROTHER MARCEL VĂN – A WITNESS OF THE CROSS” on Monday at. 7.30 pm, March 31, 2025. Redemptorists, religious brothers and sisters and many lay faithful from various places attended the event with the same desire to deepen their understanding of the life and spirituality of Brother Marcel Văn.
The Talk Show offered participants a clearer insight into Brother Marcel Nguyễn Tân Văn, a Redemptorist who lived in simplicity but possessed a profound soul, intimately united with Christ through every trial. Born in Vietnam, Brother Văn was known not only as a Redemptorist but also as a man of the deep interior life, wholly consecrated to God through love and sacrifice.
As a witness of the Cross, Brother Văn’s life was marked by suffering, trials, and ultimately martyrdom in a prison in Northern Vietnam in 1959. Despite enduring great hardships, Brother Văn remained steadfast in faith, love, and total surrender to God in every moment. These very qualities made him a shining model of fidelity and humility.
Throughout the event, Redemptorist along with Professors Dominique and Brigitte Vermersch—presidents of the Friends of Brother Văn Association—shared moving stories about his journey of faith. His spiritual letters to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus were mentioned as powerful testimonies of his childlike and simple heart, burning with love for God.
The talk show not only provided enriching knowledge but also served as a heartfelt invitation for all to reflect on the path to holiness in everyday life. Through Brother Văn’s example, it became clear that holiness is not reserved only for priests or religious brothers or sisters but is a calling for all who centre their lives on Christ.
After the program, many participants expressed deep gratitude and emotion for what was shared. There is a growing hope among the faithful that the cause for Beatification of Brother Marcel Văn will soon be completed, so that he may be officially declared a Saint of the Church.
May God bless and strengthen our journey of faith, so that we, following the example of Brother Marcel Văn, may become faithful witnesses of the Gospel in the world today.
Thai Ha Media
