Cold and poverty aren’t stopping Christmas with the downtrodden Catholics of Thất Khê
Several ethnic minorities live in the Diocese of Lạng Sơn-Cao Bằng, amid poverty and social and geographical marginalisation. Believers, seminarians and nuns have responded to the vicar's call "to make sacrifices and meet the material and spiritual needs of the downtrodden". "We bring the warmth of the manger in Bethlehem," said Brother Joseph.
Hanoi (AsiaNews) – Despite harsh weather conditions and economic hardships, members of Thất Khê parish, Tràng Định district, are preparing for Christmas by taking part in social and charitable initiatives for the poor, the disabled, seniors and children in the highlands.
Some 600 strong, the remote Catholic community falls under to Diocese of Lạng Sơn-Cao Bằng, on the border between Vietnam and China. The district covers about 19,000 sq km, along 800 km of border, and is spread over three provinces: Lạng Sơn, Cao Bằng and Hà Giang.
According to official statistics, some 1.7 million people live in the diocesan territory. Most of them earn a living from agriculture, livestock and traditional crafts.
The region is home to several ethnic minorities, Nùng and the Tày represent 85 per cent of the population. The other 15 per cent are Kinh, Dao, Chinese, San Chay and H'Mong.
Tribal people are poor and socially and geographically marginalised. Nevertheless, for Advent, Fr Paul Nguyễn Văn Thảo, vicar at the Thất Khê Church, and his deputy, Fr Peter Vũ Văn Hiển, called on the community "to make sacrifices and meet the material and spiritual needs of the downtrodden."
Some seminarians, Dominican nuns and many believers are thus involved in parish projects. "Christmas is an opportunity for us all to meet without religious discrimination,” Brother John told AsiaNews. “Despite the cold, priests, religious and lay people have visited and assisted the poor who live in very remote and mountainous areas in Thất Khê parish."
"We have travelled along winding and dangerous mountain roads,” Brother Joseph Trần Văn Bính said. “Priests and believers came here to visit poor families, both Catholic and non-Catholic who live in very hard circumstances. We come to them with a sincere heart full of love. At Christmas time, God calls upon us to bring them the warmth of the manger in Bethlehem."
"Everyone, regardless of their religion, is helped or supported in various ways,” said Maria Phạm Thị Loan, a parishioner. “Through social and charitable activities, we are able to visit many people. We share and listen to their thoughts. From them, we receive spiritual gifts, such as honesty and sincerity."
For some of the volunteers, "Christmas brings us happiness and his message invites us to reach out to those who have a hard life. It is with these people that we want to share our joy."
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