Saigon Redemptorists show ‘Option for the poor’ in action

Redemptorist Fathers in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam undertake a series of initiatives for the period of Lent as a part of their social ministry, focusing especially on the poor and the marginalised.  

In conjunction with the start of Lunar New Year celebrations, their action began a few days ago with a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Since then, at least 7,000 people have visited the Marian shrine every day taking part in Bible readings, prayers and the recitation of the Rosary.

At New Year, Vietnamese Catholics "are used to boost their faith" with prayers and works, especially through the "social ministry," Fr. Vincent Pham Trung Thanh told AsiaNews.

Responding to Pope Francis' appeal and following the guidelines and principles that inspire the Redemptorists' work, "we have undertaken a number of charitable and social activities, to work with the poor and those with special needs," Fr Vincent explained.

Some priests have raised funds to support the sick and people with special needs through a "prestigious initiative" launched on our website Ephata.

Their initiatives  include a partnership with a grocery store, through which food is provided to about a hundred destitute people, creating  awareness against abortion, providing practical help to young pregnant women, abandoned by the family, and helping elderly war veterans.

The  veterans are often forced to beg to survive. However, since the start of New Year, Redemptorists have helped at least 1,200 former soldiers of the pro-US Republic of (South) Vietnam, living in "extreme poverty".

"Many are old" and it is only right "to take care of them," said Fr Vincent Pham Trung Than, who was the superior of the Redemptorists in Saigon until 15 January.

In this period of celebration, priests have provided medical care to about a thousand veterans, as well as some small gifts. "We wanted to encourage them," the priest noted. "Touched" by the Church's love, the veterans told a local Catholic paper that "the Church of the Redemptorists brought love to us."

Now more than 700 people can receive medical visits thanks to the Catholic initiative. "We will go to remote areas to help people," Fr Vincent said.

"We have 17 doctors who are willing to work with us, both Catholics and non-Catholics," Fr Vincent added.  "In addition, there are 60 volunteers, who want to spend part of their time to help war veterans."

The charitable initiative follows directives laid down by Pope Francis. "I love to read his exhortations," the priest said, "especially where he says that the proclamation of the Good News must be linked to helping the poor".