It's simple!

Life, sometimes, doesn't need grand gestures to draw attention. Just sincerity, stemming from the heart, love, and responsibility… will touch hearts. The story of Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong in Nghe An is an example of this. From seashells washed ashore, through his skillful hands, Mr. Vo Cao Dinh (40 years old, residing in Tam Tien commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province) has created unique, highly artistic paintings. His artwork not only helps him decorate his shop in Loc Ha village, but can also earn him tens of millions of dong from this creative idea. On the afternoon of March 24th, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a dialogue with youth in 2025 on the theme "Vietnamese Youth Pioneering the Development of Science and Technology, Innovation and National Digital Transformation" on the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 - March 26, 2025) and Youth Month. Life, sometimes, doesn't need a grand act to be remembered by others. Just sincerity, stemming from the heart, love and responsibility… will touch hearts. The story of Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong in Nghe An is like that. In recent years, the "Trusted Address" model has been implemented in many ethnic minority areas of Quang Tri province. With its activities and initiatives, the model not only provides a safe haven but also contributes to combating domestic violence and building a safe and civilized living environment for women and children in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Although retired after 40 years of teaching, driven by love for his impoverished students in the rural areas of Quang Nam, Mr. Nguyen Van Lai and his wife, Ms. Vo Thi Yen (residing in Triem Dong neighborhood, Dien Phuong ward, Dien Ban town, Quang Nam), still diligently "sow the seeds" of knowledge in the charity class he opened. In recent years, the trend of seasonal flower tourism has been developing strongly. Moc Chau (Son La) enjoys a successful tourism season thanks to plum blossoms; Ha Giang is a destination for tourists "hunting" for buckwheat flowers; Da Lat (Lam Dong) is a cherry blossom paradise… This is an opportunity for provinces and cities to create more attractive seasonal flower tourism products, but sustainable solutions need to be implemented. This was the content of the speech by the Member of the Executive Committee of the Government Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP), and General Director Duong Quyet Thang at the 4th Executive Committee Meeting of the VBSP Trade Union, term 2023-2028, which took place in Hanoi on the afternoon of March 21st. The summary of the Ethnic and Development Newspaper's news bulletin on the morning of March 22nd includes the following noteworthy information: The vibrant colors of Na Hang brocade; A masterpiece of a 100-year-old wooden church in Kon Tum; Dedicated female officials serving their villages. Along with other current news from ethnic minority and mountainous regions, in recent years, the Border Guard Force (BGF) in border areas has always focused on building a strong foundation of public support in border regions. Accompanying the BGF is a team of influential individuals who act as a "bridge" in disseminating and educating the public on the law, and mobilizing people to join hands in protecting the nation's borders. Dr. Dang Thanh Mai, Deputy Director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, stated that in the last 10 years, climate change has become very complex; every year has been a record year for meteorological and hydrological disasters globally. Improving the capacity for early warning of natural disasters has become an extremely urgent issue. Previously, cardiovascular diseases mainly appeared in people over 50 years old, due to the natural aging process along with risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or obesity. However, in recent years, the age of onset of cardiovascular disease in Vietnam has decreased significantly. Increasingly, there are more cases of patients under 40, even in their 20s and 30s, being diagnosed with heart conditions. On March 24th, in Rach Gia City (Kien Giang), the Board of Directors of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Kien Giang province received a delegation from the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) of the province to visit and congratulate the Department on its establishment and operation. Despite being created at a time when traditional postal services such as handwritten letters and parcels were gradually declining in Vietnam, the "Communities of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups" stamp set still affirms its strong appeal. Not only a treasure for stamp collectors, but for anyone who cherishes national cultural values, this is the most vivid and visual representation of the 54 ethnic groups on the S-shaped land – a miniature work of art with enduring value over time.

Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong (left) and Mr. Nguyen Dinh Quang next to the free ambulance, when they were still at Lam Xuyen Parish.

The people of Lam Xuyen Parish, in Nam Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district, Nghe An province ), will forever remember the humane and responsible actions of Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong. His deeds have always been a source of inspiration and faith for not only the parishioners but also the people in the surrounding area.

The story is that Father Phuong campaigned and appealed for social contributions to acquire an ambulance to provide free transportation for the poor. Then, Father Phuong himself drove the ambulance, enduring hardships on the roads, taking the poor from their homes to the hospital and back.

The people called that journey a journey of love, a journey of compassion. As for us, we simply thought that Father Phuong was acting in accordance with the teachings of Christ – to revere God, love his country, and love each and every person.

Father Phuong once recounted: "Seeing many sick and frail people who, due to difficult family circumstances and long distances, couldn't reach the hospital for treatment, I came up with the idea of ​​buying a vehicle to transport them free of charge, sharing some of their difficulties and hardships. I discussed this idea with many people in the parish, and they immediately agreed. So we decided to buy the vehicle in 2019."

Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong prepares for a journey of love.

And then, countless people in difficult circumstances, many unfortunate souls, received sharing and love from that ambulance, from the 11-person volunteer group, initiated by Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong.

Sharing his thoughts with us, Father Xuan Phuong said that buying a car wasn't too difficult, but finding a long-term companion was truly challenging. And to ignite the flame of love in this charitable journey, Father Phuong himself drove the first trip. It was a free ride transporting patients for medical examinations and treatment from Vinh City to the impoverished Ky Son district, a distance of over 300km.

And the loving and meaningful journey of Father Xuan Phuong continues with the parishioners of Dong Lam Parish, Hung Son commune (Anh Son district, Nghe An province). August 2023 became a memorable milestone for the parishioners here, when they welcomed Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong to take charge of the parish. And Father Xuan Phuong brought with him the ambulance that he had previously used in Lam Xuyen Parish, Nam Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district), which is now present in Anh Son to accompany the poor and less fortunate.

The journey of compassion and love of Father Xuan Phuong continues. To maintain the operation of the charitable ambulance, a support team has been established, including non-Catholics like Mr. Nguyen Van Hung (whose house is located in front of Dong Lam Parish, Hung Son commune). Father Xuan Phuong and his collaborators' "free" ambulance service continues to write the touching story of "the parish ambulance helping people."

On behalf of the District Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Fatherland Front Committee of Anh Son District, Mr. Nguyen Huu Sang, Secretary of the Anh Son District Party Committee, extended Christmas greetings to Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong and the parishioners of Dong Lam Parish.

Sharing his thoughts about Father Xuan Phuong, Chairman of Hung Son Commune People's Committee Tran Minh Hoan enthusiastically said: "He is a parish priest with a compassionate heart, living responsibly towards the community and the parishioners. We are even more confident that with Father Xuan Phuong as parish priest, he will continue the tradition of unity and love in Dong Lam parish, as well as in Hung Son commune."

Life sometimes doesn't require grand gestures to draw attention from others. Just sincerity, stemming from the heart, love, and responsibility… can touch hearts. Father Nguyen Xuan Phuong is such a person. He is truly practicing the teachings and faith that God desires.

Because everywhere, whether one is a layperson or a religious follower, regardless of their religion, the ultimate goal for everyone is truth, goodness, and beauty. And striving towards truth, goodness, and beauty leads to virtuous and humane actions and words. A good society begins with good people. And good people will build a solid foundation for a good society.

Peace in Ta Hine Parish

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/dieu-gian-di-1742727841466.htm