Discovery of Values of Dialogue and Coexistence of Religions: Rites for Respecting Ancestors of Catholics of Phu Nhai Parish, Nam Dinh Province

Abstract

Based on the ethnographic field data in Phu Nhai parish (Xuan Phuong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province) in 2015 and 2016, the author brings to light the subject of respect for the ancestors of Catholic households which is an important part of contemporary culture of Vietnam. In the past time, Catholic congregation did not encourage the ancestor worship but the Catholics have been flexible to change the name from the ancestor worship to respect for the ancestors so as to maintain this dutiful and loyal custom. At present, Phu Nhai Catholics made and have been making their contribution to enrich Vietnam’s cultural identity via the forms of performance of their respect for the ancestors at the churches, families and graveyards. By doing so, they have been creating a new cultural mode in Phu Nhai parish