VIET NAM • VIET NAM
Yes, “ Together we searched, discerned and reached consensus. We feel called to deepen in a process of conversion of our ways of being and being in a Synodal Church, to offer to the world new ways of living together. ” This year, Bao Loc community also joyfully gives thanks for the official establishment of the ACI Family here. This opens a hopeful future, as the mission of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is now shared with lay partners in mission. Truly the called of the Church and the derise of the Congregation to be a Synodal Church has become real through this small step. Also this year, Sister Thuy, a traditional medicine doctor who recently joined the community, has opened a small clinic to provide healthcare for the local people. Many come to her for treatment. Alongside caring for their physical health, these encounters also open doors to accompany weary and burdened souls who are in need of comfort and spiritual support, for every patient carries a personal story. Taking advantage of these opportunities, we also come to meet, converse, and listen to their stories, with the hope that one day we may lead them to Jesus in the Eucharist. Yes, “ We walked together. We walked as sisters, allowing ourselves to be moved by the challenges and calls that came from the circumscpritions. ” A major apostolic mission of the community, which I
am sure many of you already know, is our work with the Chau Ma ethnic minority people. Over the years, we have walked with them through many programs— education, healthcare, and nutrition. We accompany the elderly and poor children in a monthly nutrition program. We also care for their health through medical insurance support. Education, of course, is indispensable in the mission of the Handmaids. We have been helping with scholarship programs. At present, we are supporting 90 Chau Ma students, from primary school to university, giving them the opportunity to study. Beyond scholarships, we walk with them through tutoring programs, helping them gain confidence and solid knowledge—not only to keep up with classmates but also to find motivation and inspiration to learn. We organize workshops on emotional management, invite professional organizations to teach them about preventing sexual abuse and human trafficking, and create activities that help them plan for their future, connecting them with vocational schools or job opportunities for those who have dropped out of school. We are well aware of the many challenges in working with these young people and often feel powerless. Yet in every small activity, we pour in all our hope, desiring that Jesus’ longing for them—“that they may have life, and have it abundantly”—may come true. Truly, sinodalidy has become our Journey of Hope as we walked side by side, together with the people as sisters and friends like some of the students have shared: “The love of God is truly boundless. He has lovingly sent the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to our Dà Ló-Ngêt community. Since the moment of their arrival, we have experienced countless graces and felt more deeply the love of God poured upon us. The sisters’ works may seem simple and humble, yet they bring great hope to everyone in our community. Those who once stayed away from parish activities are now encouraged and drawn closer to God through
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