A Theological And Cultural Foundation For Veneration of Ancestors Among Vietnamese Catholics and Its Liturgical Implications

Abstract

<p>The practice of ancestral veneration is an integral part of Vietnamese culture and extremely popular among the Vietnamese. Most Vietnamese families, rich or poor, have in their homes an altar specifically designated for this purpose. The altar is a rallying place - a symbol of family solidarity, Around the altar, in the presence of the familial ancestors, all discord is expected ta be put aside. It is also before these altars that all major family decisions are made.</p> <p>For those Vietnamese who are Catholics, these displays are often created beneath altars dedicated ta Jesus, Mary, or favoured saints. The cult of ancestors plays a significant role in the social lives of Vietnamese families. The practice exhibits qualities of religious dogma and may, in fact, be regarded as a form of national religion. In Vietnam the practice is referred to as <em>Đặο thờ ông bà</em>, which literally means, religion that worships the ancestors.</p> <p>Catholic missionaries from the West first came ta Vietnam in the sixteenth century. However, the Christian beliefs they brought with them c1ashed with Vietnamese culture, especially with the cult of ancestors. The idea of worshipping other human beings was regarded as heretical by Christian missionaries. Nevertheless, the Vietnamese devotion ta the cult of ancestors has died hard. In spite of the Christian opposition ta it, the practice continues ta be extremely popular. This is so much the case that in some circ1es churches are being urged not ta try ta stamp out ancestral worship, but ta make an effort ta incorporate it into Christian liturgy and worship, a practice known as inculturation.</p>