Former drug addict inspires as priest of hope

(October 01, 2011) A new drug rehabilitation centre is to be built at Vietnam’s National Marian Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang in Quang Tri province. About a 100 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, for the centre which the Benedictines hope will help local drug abusers kick their habits and return to normal lives. The project head, 40-year old Benedictine Father Francis Tran Van An, had himself been once a drug addict prior to becoming a monk. He had provided rehabilitation services at his monastery for years; he said the new center aimed to provide free rehabilitation, spiritual healing, health care and vocational skills for a rising number of drug addicts in the area,”. Many parents have sought assistance from the Benedictines after their children have failed to overcome their addictions in state-run facilities, for which they must pay as much as 3 million dong (US$300) per month. About 25 people have given up drug use through the program and now have employment, while five have joined the Catholic Church.