In the parish of Vĩnh Hòa, many families are unable to leave their homes because they are in isolation. Fr Kim brings food and gifts and tells them "feel safe, because the parish community is always with you and prays for you".
Ho Chi Minh (AsiaNews) - At least 3,820 people attend the parish of Vĩnh Hòa, in Ho Chi Minh, whose vicar is Fr John Kim Lê Hậu Hán. But Covid-19 infections continue to increase, so more and more parishioners find themselves in isolation.
Yesterday, 2,830 new cases of the coronavirus were recorded in Vietnam, bringing the total number of infected to 38,239, about 20,000 of whom are in Ho Chi Minh City.
Fr. Kim, however, has not lost heart. Armed with a protective suit, he visits families in need and, together with other volunteers, distributes food and basic necessities to those unable to leave their homes. Masses and prayers are still held exclusively online.
The parishioners appreciate Fr John Kim's attention and many said they were happy and moved by the gifts received. On the 13th of each month, the parish distributes food to the poorest of the poor, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, to alleviate some of the hardship of this period.
"People here are frightened and disoriented by the pandemic," says the priest. The local government has also supported the cleric in his activities around the parish, granting him permission to visit some families living in streets closed due to the infection. In recent days, a doctor from the local epidemiological unit also accompanied Fr Kim on his visits, which always end with a house blessing. "Feel safe, because the parish community always accompanies you and prays for you," said the priest addressing some families.
Fr. Kim also thanks benefactors who have supported the parish of Vĩnh Hòa, giving them the opportunity to take care of people living in difficult circumstances due to the pandemic.