This year the SSJ sisters in Vietnam revive the link with the workers in Thu Duc, an industrial district zone of Ho Chi Minh City where many factories for migrant workers are located. These workers have formed a group known as the “Ve-Chai” (recyclers) who regularly gather recyclable garbage in the district for the purpose of raising funds for their outreach activity. This is also their response to the care and protection of Mother Earth following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Yearly, they adopt a poor parish in the countryside of Ho Chi Minh City with whom they share the fruit of their labor from the sale of recyclable junks. They buy grocery items and bring them to the families in the selected area.
They regularly meet in the Parish of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers in Thu Duc for their formation sessions and monthly meetings. The group regularly participates in Parish activities during Sundays. They are very much supported by the Parish Priest and the parishioners.
Five years ago, the SSJ sisters, who were assigned in Thu Duc District, joined this Ve Chai group in collecting the recycled garbage. This was part of the community’s apostolic project reaching out to the Poor Working World. At present, this gesture of collaboration is continued by the SSJ sisters from Tan Binh District. Despite the long distance from Tan Binh to Thu Duc the community commits to participate in their regular sessions in the church twice a month.
On September 28-30,2018 Thiet and Giang, our two Vietnamese juniors, joined the outreach activity in Giao Xuo Duong – Nai Thuong Parish, Bao Loc Province, a highland area where different migrant indigenous tribal people live. The Ve-Chai group left Thu Duc late evening of September 28 and reached the place early morning of the 29th. |
| Giang with an ethnic mother and a daughter |
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| Thiet with an old sick ethnic woman |
After the Home Visitation the Ve-Chai group and the sisters prepared food for the families for the evening event, and the balloons for the games…
There were Mascots that added to the joy of the children,
as well as the famous “Mulan” or Dragon dance presentation.
In circle, the families joined hands together and sang a hymn to Mary for the closing prayer of their activity.
Dinner time
PRAYER VIGIL and BONFIRE FOR THE VE-CHAI GROUP
After the children’s activity, the Ve-Chai group remained in the court and had their moment of prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord for their safe arrival to the place and for the blessings received. They had a solemn prayer and a joyful bonding with one another.
Sharing the blessings of God with one another
Offering their endeavors to make other people happy
A dance number by the group
Sunday Morning – September 30, 2018 – Holy Mass
Giao Xu Dong Nai Thuong – Cat Tien – Bao Loc)
(The Parish Church in Bao Loc where they made their outreach activity)
Children with their parents waiting for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Sharing of goods after the mass
The Ve-Chai members were all busy distributing the gifts to the people…
… still busy releasing the goods
The beneficiaries were grateful and happy for the gifts they received from the Ve-Chai group. They all went home with joy and gratitude.
After the activity of sharing goods, the Ve-Chai group, together with the Parish Priest and some Parishioners, all went to the beautiful hidden waterfalls near the Parish area. They had the opportunity to bask in the beauty of God’s creation.
They rode in a tractor crossing the muddy uncemented road going to the waterfalls.
The leaders of the Ve Chai group with our Vietnamese Junior, Thiet, enjoying the beauty and freshness of creation.
Back in the Parish hall, the leader of the Ve-Chai group thanked the Parish Priest and the Parishioners who made the outreach activity possible.
The Parish Priest, in response, was very thankful for the joy the Ve- Chai group brought to his Parishioners through their time, presence and resources.
Last Group picture-taking infront of the Church
Home Sweet Home to Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
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