♦ Dr. Le Thi Cuc

thuongFunerals are pivotal rituals that reflect the beliefs and spiritual life of a community. In Hanoi, home to a substantial Catholic population, Catholic funerals are predicated upon traditional Vietnamese rites but have been standardized according to Catholic Canon Law. This article outlines the primary aspects of Catholicism in Hanoi, as well as the characteristics and rituals of Catholic funerals in this region.

An Overview of Catholicism in Hanoi

thuongCatholicism emerged in the Near East in the 1st century and subsequently spread globally. In Vietnam, Catholicism was introduced during the Le King – Trịnh Lord era, appearing early in Northern provinces such as Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh, and reaching Thang Long by the mid-17th century. Initially, the number of parishioners in Hanoi was limited due to the influence of Confucianism and the restrictive policies of the Nguyen Dynasty. Under French colonial rule, Catholicism developed robustly in Hanoi, with numerous parishes established in both urban and suburban areas. By the late 19th and throughout the 20th century, Hanoi became the seat of the Archdiocese and the Apostolic Nunciature.

thuongFollowing national reunification, Hanoi remained a central hub for Catholic activities. The city houses the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, the Archbishop's House, the Saint Joseph Major Seminary, and three religious orders. These include two female orders—the Lovers of the Holy Cross (31 Nhà Chung Street) and the Sisters of Saint Mary (37 Hai Ba Trung Street)—and one male order, the Redemptorists at Thai Ha Parish. There are 13 parishes within the inner city, including historic ones such as the Cathedral (St. Joseph's), Ham Long, Phung Khoang, Thai Ha, and Hang Bot. In the expanded Hanoi region, notable parishes in the former Ha Tay province include Ha Dong, Son Tay, Phuc Lam, Cat Thue, Luu Xa, and La Phu.

thuongCurrently, Catholic communities are present across all urban districts and suburban districts of Hanoi. “As of August 2008, when Hanoi expanded its administrative boundaries, the number of parishioners in the entire city reached 195,000, practicing in 81 parishes and 413 sub - parishes under three dioceses: Hanoi, Hung Hoa, and Bac Ninh.” [1]

Characteristics of Catholic Funerals in Hanoi

thuongCatholicism bears a strong Western cultural identity centered on monotheistic doctrine and the supreme veneration of God, distinct from the polytheistic beliefs and ancestor worship of the Vietnamese. Upon entering Thang Long – Hanoi, Catholicism formed religious communities (họ đạo) and parishes based on the traditional village structure, gradually integrating and interacting with indigenous beliefs. Consequently, despite being a monotheistic religion, Vietnamese Catholics in Hanoi still practice their faith within the framework of Vietnamese tradition, demonstrating a harmony between religion and native culture.

thuongRegarding funerals, although Catholicism possesses a strict system of Canon Law, it permits Vietnamese followers to maintain Đao Hieu (Filial Piety, including the veneration of ancestors). Living within the village environment, Catholics remain influenced by common Vietnamese customs and habits. Nonetheless, Catholic funeral customs possess fundamental differences from indigenous Vietnamese culture.

thuongHanoi's Catholic funerals generally adopt the organizational framework of traditional Vietnamese funerals. Traditional rites are based on the concept of the soul's existence after death and a belief in an Underworld (Âm phủ) that mirrors the earthly realm. These rites reflect not only filial piety but also the wish for the deceased to have a good life in the hereafter. The traditional process involves three stages: pre - funeral, during the funeral, and post - funeral, including rites such as preparation (phạn hàm, phục hồn, khâm liệm, nhập quan), the announcement of mourning, visitation, and burial. Following burial, rituals for the 3rd, 49th, and 100th days, as well as death anniversaries, are held. A common indigenous custom is the burning of joss paper (vàng mã).

thuongCatholic funerals in Hanoi fundamentally follow this traditional process but introduce a different system of rituals based on their specific theological understanding of death and the afterlife.

Funeral Rituals of Catholics in Hanoi

thuongCatholics believe that "death is not the end" but a transition to Resurrection with Christ. Therefore, funerals are organized with the purpose: “not only to commend the deceased to God but also to increase hope and affirm the belief that Christians, through the Sacrament of Baptism, become one body with Christ who died and rose again; they shall pass through death with Him to life, so their souls may be purified and welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven with the Saints and the chosen, while their bodies await happiness and resurrection.” [2] Based on this concept, Catholic funerals in Hanoi are conducted in three stages:

          • Pre-funeral Rites:

thuongFocus is placed on the spiritual care of the dying to strengthen their faith in Christ. Key rituals include visiting the sick, guiding prayers, the Viaticum (Holy Communion), the Anointing of the Sick, and the Commendation of the Dying. These rites provide comfort and prepare the soul for the journey to Heaven.

          • Rites During the Funeral:

thuongThe funeral process and main rituals for Catholics in Hanoi involve three primary tasks: enshrouding and prayer at the home, commendation and farewell at the church (Funeral Mass), and burial at the "Garden of Saints" (vườn Thánh—cemetery). [3]

thuongAccording to Catholic belief, death is “sinh thì” - the birth into eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. When a believer passes, the family notifies the church to ring the "passing bell" (chuông sinh thì). In Hanoi, the bell typically tolls 7 times for men and 9 times for women, reflecting an intersection between Catholicism and Vietnamese folk beliefs regarding the soul.

thuongThe deceased is dressed in "blessed robes" and placed in a simple space adorned with a Crucifix, a portrait, and their Saint's name. The rites of enshrouding, coffining, and the blessing of the casket and body are performed by a priest, signifying respect for the body and faith in the mystery of the Resurrection.

thuongFollowing the announcement of mourning, various church associations and friends visit to pray according to liturgical rites. The body is then processed to the church for the Funeral Mass before the final farewell, funeral procession, and burial at the parish "Garden of Saints" or local cemetery as per Church regulations.

Funeral Mass at Hanoi Cathedral

thuongAfter the funeral, Catholics in Hanoi continue remembrance and prayer in the spirit of the Christian faith. Following burial, the family places the portrait on the family altar and observes milestones such as the 3rd, 49th, and 100th days, as well as death anniversaries. These are marked primarily by reciting prayers and requesting Masses at the church, notably without the use of joss paper. The ritual of "praying for souls" is maintained throughout these occasions, especially during the Month of the Holy Souls and on All Souls' Day (November 2nd).

thuongHanoi's contemporary funerals are diverse, showing clear distinctions between Catholic rites and traditional Vietnamese rites. Catholic funerals, while based on traditional frameworks, are standardized by Canon Law to express faith in God and the immortality of the soul. This diversity reflects specific perceptions of death and the rich cultural - religious value system of Hanoians, while presenting challenges for maintaining and adjusting rituals amidst urbanization and modernization.

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[1] Nguyen Viet Chuc, Nguyen Vinh Phuc (Eds.) (2017), Encyclopedia of Hanoi - Expanded Hanoi Section, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, p. 237.

[2] Funeral Rites (2002), Religion Publishing House, Hanoi, p. 7.

[3] Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam (2011), Catholic Dictionary: 500 Entries, Religion Publishing House, Hanoi, p. 6.

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References

1. Le Thi Cuc (2014), Funeral Rites of Northern Vietnamese Who Are Buddhist and Catholic Followers, Doctoral Thesis in Religious Studies, Graduate Academy of Social Sciences.

2. Nguyen Viet Chuc, Nguyen Vinh Phuc (Eds.) (2017), Encyclopedia of Hanoi - Expanded Hanoi Section, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi.

3. Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam (2011), Catholic Dictionary: 500 Entries, Religion Publishing House, Hanoi.

4. Funeral Rites (2002), Religion Publishing House, Hanoi.