Sisters serving lonely elderly in Tân Thông
In the Diocese of Phú Cường, the Missionaries of Christ’s Charity take care of 70 lonely elderly. “Living here, I'm never sad,” one resident said. For the nuns, “love here in this home.”
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) – Vietnam yesterday marked the International Day of Older Persons. The United Nations chose 1 October as a day to raise awareness about issues concerning the elderly.
Vietnam’s Catholic Church is very much involved in helping senior citizens. One example is the Compassionate Nursing Home in Tân Thông (Diocese of Phú Cường), where 70 lonely elderly people found a welcoming home.
Set up in 1988 by Fr Paul Nguyễn Văn Khi in Tân Thông parish, the home is currently managed by the Missionaries of Christ’s Charity, led by Sister Maria Martino Nguyễn Thị Kim Hoa.
Now retired, Fr Paul still lives in the community celebrating Mass every day for its residents and the nuns.
“We are 20 Sisters serving 70 lonely elderly people,” said Sister Teresa, speaking to AsiaNews.
“Thank God, we were safe during this pandemic. Only two elderly people died, but for age-related reasons,” she explained. “We were very cautious, and did not dare go to the market.”
“The people who live here are alone; they have no home, no money, no relatives. More than half are bedridden, while some are blind or disabled. All are looked after by the nuns and by volunteers and doctors who come from outside.
“The elderly undergo medical checks every week. So far we have had 204 residents; for those who have died we also took care of the funeral.”
“Many elderly people lived on the street because no one wanted them,” said Nguyễn T. N., a 78-year-old resident. “Here, the priests and nuns never leave anyone alone. Living here, I'm never sad,” she added.
Fr Joseph Nguyễn Phát Tài, vicar of Tân Thông parish, often brings guests and benefactors to visit the house.
“We thought we would come here to bring joy to the elderly, but surprisingly we go home having received joy from them,” said Phương Nga, from the local secondary school parents' association.
Sister Linh acknowledges that “Ours is not an easy job here, but we have never thought about abandoning out mission and moving to another place.
“Fr Paul has always told us: love and serve those who suffer more than yourselves. And I see that love here in this home.”
.png)
24/10/2019 17:56
