Haven’t you wondered how faith can flourish even in the face of adversity? Here at Dòng nữ tu Đa Minh Tam Hiệp, we uncover a story of resilience. The Dominican Sisters of Tam Hiep exemplify unwavering hope. This Congregation was founded on April 30, 1951. Bishop Peter Mary Pham Ngoc Chi established it in North Vietnam. This followed a long history of Dominican life in the region.
Around 1715, Spanish Dominican missionaries gathered local virgins. They formed communities to assist the missionaries. These communities, known as Houses of Dominican Blessed, grew amidst persecution. From 1740 to 1883, an estimated 130,000 to 300,000 Catholics were killed for their faith.
In 1954, Vietnam was divided. The North fell under Communist rule. Bishop Peter Maria Pham Ngoc Chi led a large wave of Catholic immigrants south. Almost all the Sisters in the North joined. The Dominican Sisters settled in Tam Hiep Commune. From then on, they were known as the Dominican Sisters of Tam Hiep. They confronted a complex political situation. They adapted to a new, difficult environment. Despite poverty, the Sisters worked in parishes. They established schools, hospitals, and orphanages.
The Communists conquered the South in 1975. They aimed to suppress the Catholic faith. Churches, convents, seminaries, schools, and hospitals were seized. Soldiers occupied the Mother House in Tam Hiep. They destroyed furniture and burned books. One Sister bravely protested the planned demolition of the Chapel. She declared she would die before they destroyed it. The Chapel remains standing to this day.
Many Sisters left religious life. Those who remained formed small groups. They lived as families in remote areas. They worked on farms to survive. They maintained their hope in God. They prayed persistently and trusted in God’s word. Some Sisters carried the Blessed Sacrament. They feared the tabernacle might be destroyed. They adored the Eucharist. This allowed them to pray and share the fruits of contemplation.
From 1975 to 1980, the Sisters lived in exile. They lived as ordinary Vietnamese women. They wore Vietnamese dresses in white and black. People recognized them through their prayers and actions. The Sisters helped with healthcare. They visited the sick and taught Catechism. They were loved by many. Many people were baptized as Catholics.
Restrictions on religious life eased in the late 1980s. The Sisters returned to their vandalized convent. Young women secretly joined the community. They lived an ascetic life. They helped each other through prayer and fraternal correction. They attended Holy Mass in the chapel basement. Police often checked the convent at night. Postulants hid in neighbors’ homes. Some hid in water tanks to avoid detection. Despite these difficulties, the Sisters continued to serve. They prayed constantly for those who persecuted them.
Since 1992, Vietnam joined ASEAN. Communists changed their policies. They lifted some restrictions on the local Church. The religious could participate in some activities. The Congregation’s ministries grew. They taught in kindergartens and boarding schools. They worked in hospitals and clinics. They cared for the homeless and visited the poor. They preached in parishes and led Christian groups.
In 2008, the government destroyed their house in Kontum. It served the mountaineers. The Sisters demanded to stay. The government allowed them to build a small cottage. Even today, many challenges remain. The Sisters continue to be witnesses through their presence and service.
Today, the Dominican charism is consolidated. Sisters can wear habits and live in communities. They can transfer between places with permission. There are nearly four hundred Sisters and many postulants. Their passion for missions and study is strong. They prioritize serving the word of God. They promote justice and peace.
The Dominican Sisters of Tam Hiep have suffered intensely. They put their hope in God. Hope keeps the Congregation alive. Through suffering, they find true hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their story teaches us about persistence, love, and unwavering faith.