Br. Joseph Mary Vu Van Cong

Brother Joseph Mary Vu Van Cong was born on October 2, 1994 and was 28 years old. He took his first vows on January 1, 2023.

He was currently living in Ho Chi Min (Vietnam). He belonged to the District of VIE.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing (Ps 23:1)

Dear V. Rev. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, SCJ and Council Members,

On behalf of the District, I want to inform you about the death of our young conferrer, Br. Joseph Mary Vu Van Cong, scj. Brother Joseph Mary Cong just professed his first vows on January 1st, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Dehon II. After his first profession, he was asked to be a part of the first missionary in Venezuela. We had been in touch with the Region Superior of Venezuela Region to process a visa for him. Last week, on Sunday 4th, 2023, we got the good news about his visa. He was given 2 weeks to be with his family before departing for Venezuela. As a consequence, he asked permission to be in our new project in Danong Province. On Tuesday morning, June 06th, 2023, he went out to buy gasoline for his motorbike. That was the last time we met him until June 09th, 2023. At 18h30 pm, the police informed us that he was found dead in the forest near the waterfall. His flesh is already decomposed. So we decided to cremate his body and brought him back to the Curia the following day. Yesterday, on June 11th, 2023, all of the Scj members and his relatives had a final Eucharist Celebration at the Curia. On the same day, in the evening, his body was transferred to his province which is around 1000 kilometers from Curia’s address. Tomorrow, on June 13th, 2023, there will be a Eucharistic Celebration in his church with all of his family members. We entrust him in God’s loving hand. Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord; and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

In Corde Jesu,

Francis Xavier Tran Duc Thai, scj
District Superior