Priests at the service of the poor, young people, care of the “Common House” in small communities
Ho Chi Minh Ville (Agenzia Fides) - "To serve God through the poor, in whom Christ is present, and to be with them every day" is the desire of Peter Pham Minh Hung, a priest from the parish of Vuon Xoai, belonging to the archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh Ville, in South Vietnam. In the parishes where he has provided pastoral service, the priest - as he tells Fides - has come into contact with people and families in need, especially in the parish of Thi Nghe, where he has been in the past. "Donating even just a portion of rice or necessities every month is a simple but important gesture," he reports, noting that the recipients are people regardless of ethnicity and religion. On the occasion of national holidays or special religious ceremonies, "it is a good practice to pay special attention to those who are in need, but who often do not dare to ask and cannot fully experience the spirit of the feast".
In the parish of Saint Martin, also in the archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh Ville, the charity service was structured, and every month about 100 low-income families living in the parish, Christians and non-Christians, were helped. Fr Peter Pham Minh Hung also reserved it for the disabled, inviting them every Sunday morning to come to church for breakfast and a moment of fraternity. Hoang Mai, a disabled woman, recounts: "In the parish, according to the initiative started by Fr Hung, we disabled people gather for Mass on Sunday mornings and, after Mass, we have breakfast together. We can meet, talk and share our stories and material and spiritual difficulties. It is a significant time in our lives."
Over the years, Fr Peter Phạm Minh Hung thought of creating a well-organised canteen to prepare hot meals. So, with the help of volunteers, the priest oversaw the opening of a sort of 'cheap restaurant' where, with a contribution of only 2,000 Vietnamese Dong (equivalent to 9 US cents, ed.), one can have a meal of rice, broth, vegetables and meat.
Having moved to his new parish in Vuon Xoai, where he is now, Fr Hung revived the 'cheap restaurant' initiative, especially helping day labourers such as hawkers, motorbike taxi drivers, or students. In just two months, the daily meals served rose to 700. Today, the 58-year-old priest always thinks of families in need and considers the charity service "a mission that is an integral part of priestly and pastoral life".
Another pastoral and charitable experience that is appreciated in society is Father Joseph Nguyen Van Que, currently pastor of Phong Y parish in Thanh Hoa province, which belongs to the Thanh Hoa diocese in northern Vietnam. Alongside his liturgical work, Father Joseph Nguyen Van Que is involved in many charitable programmes and initiatives to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty.
Aware of his work, the Vietnamese state newspaper 'The Natural resources and environment' recently described his valuable charitable, educational and environmental protection efforts: 'These good deeds,' the newspaper wrote, 'are examples to follow. He has sensitised parishioners to live a good life with practical works such as donations to disadvantaged people, organising free English classes for children, and weekly cleaning of streets and public areas.
When he was in the parish of Tan Dao, the priest noticed that some students in the area had to cross a river to go to school, which was dangerous. Thanks to the support of parishioners and other donors, Father Que had two bridges built to enable the pupils to reach the school - works that generated widespread gratitude among the residents.
Arriving in Phong Y parish in 2019, Father Joseph Pham Van Que has not stopped taking an interest in environmental issues, education and the poor. Involving the national movement 'Joined Hands to Protect the Environment', he has raised awareness among the faithful to 'start from small and simple practices in their living environment' such as protecting green spaces in villages and growing trees and ornamental plants.
In particular, the priest invented and launched a course entitled 'Green Summer', a free English course for poor students, encouraging the study of children in rural communities and giving them hands-on experience on environmental protection and love of nature in the spirit of 'Laudato si'. The English course is held at the Phong Y Church during the summer holidays and provides 125 hours of learning for 300 students, Catholic and non-Catholic. At the end of the course, the learners improve their English skills and learn environmental sustainability practices, respect and care for the 'Common Home'. This initiative, designed for teenagers and young people, is recognised and brings undoubted benefits to the life of small local communities.
Source : fides.org
