by J.B. Vu

The training courses organized by Caritas of Saigon have ended. The people who took part, are ready to collaborate with community members to work with the needy. In the long tradition that sees Catholics in the country contribute to the development of society through charitable activities and religious services.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - The final evaluation of Caritas Saigon shows that 178 people, from 80 of the 200 parishes in the archdiocese, have completed their training. They are now ready to work with other members of the community, to help poor children, disabled, elderly and people with HIV / AIDS. In a city where the economy is growing rapidly thanks to the support of local government, a similar development in the fields of culture, education and religion is badly needed, key aspects that ensure a lasting and stable development of society.

Over 651,046 Vietnamese Catholics live in Ho Chi Minh City and contribute to the growth of the city with social and religious activities. Some participants in training courses told AsiaNews: "Catholics, along with the parishes of the city, have a long tradition of working in social and charitable activities. Since 1987, when Vietnam opened its doors to the development of the market economy, these people have made their skills and knowledge available to the community. "

The final report also showed the importance of cooperation with other Catholic organizations and social groups, and of analyzing all the proposals of each in an appropriate way to handle the contribution of each organization.

In order to reach successful results, people’s needs of and expectations need to be properly understood. For example, Mr. Hoc, a member of Caritas in the parish of Hung Loc, told AsiaNews: "after the training course, we have presented relevant issues of charitable and social activities for our vicar. In Ho Chi Minh City, every parish also will raise awareness on Caritas’ activities for parishioners, Catholic associations, and other social organizations"

Mrs. Bich Xuan, parishioner of Hang Xanh Parish, noted “Every member will try to participate in available projects of parishes such as helping the elderly, the sick, teens and young people involved in social ills, children living in difficult circumstance, disable children, people living with HIV, poor children having no conditions to go to schools, violence in families, and communities development projects”.

• Vietnam
• caritas
• solidarity
• social
• development
• commitment
• parish
• church
• saigon