Merry and warm Christmas season!

Christmas arrives, bringing with it the joyful sounds of the streets, the twinkling lights on the Christmas trees, and the care and concern between people in Ho Chi Minh City. It's about more abundant meals than usual, and sharing with those in need. This compassion and love makes the Christmas season even more peaceful and warm.

These days, Phu Cuong Cathedral (Thu Dau Mot ward) welcomes hundreds of workers, elderly people, and children who come for free medical check-ups and medication organized by Phu Cuong Cathedral Parish in coordination with the Thu Dau Mot Ward People's Committee and the hospital.

Under the pine trees, doctors, nurses, and volunteers kindly measured blood pressure, distributed medicine, and advised people on how to maintain their health. Bags of rice and gifts were handed directly to people in difficult circumstances.

People in difficult circumstances receive Christmas gifts at Phu Cuong Cathedral.

Before Christmas Eve, the church organizes a "fraternal meal." Hot meals are served amidst wishes for peace. At the table, all distances and everyday hardships are set aside, leaving only two cherished words – brotherhood and sincere sharing. "The parish always focuses on working alongside the local government in social welfare activities, reaching out to those in need, especially during Christmas. We hope that everyone, religious or not, will share the joy of meeting, sharing, and wishing for the best," shared Father Anton Ha Van Minh, Parish Priest of Phu Cuong Cathedral Parish.

Not only in churches and religious communities, but this spirit of sharing has spread to every alley and residential area of ​​the city. The Women's Union of Tan Son Nhat Ward organized the "Warm Christmas" program, bringing joy to people in need by preparing 100 gift packages and a heartwarming meal at the community kitchen, with the simple message "Give love - Receive smiles".

Hot meals and small gift boxes are given to lonely elderly people, sanitation workers, and underprivileged children struggling to make a living – those who are toiling on the streets in the days leading up to Christmas. Therefore, a hot meal or a gift bag delivered directly to them has become a meaningful wish for a peaceful Christmas.

While distributing gifts with fellow members, Ms. Truong Thi Phuong Mai, Vice President of the Tan Son Nhat Ward Women's Union (Ho Chi Minh City), said that the gifts, though not substantial in material value, contained affection and sharing for the disadvantaged, ensuring everyone had a warm and peaceful Christmas. This activity helps union officials fulfill their roles and responsibilities in union work and spread the image of compassionate and responsible Vietnamese women serving the community.

The Women's Union of Tan Son Nhat Ward (Ho Chi Minh City) distributed gifts to residents during Christmas.
Photo: CAM TUYET

At dawn on December 24th, the Catholic neighborhood of Hoa Long (Lai Thieu ward) was filled with the sounds of Christmas music. Children dressed in Christmas costumes ran, jumped, and laughed in front of their houses. In each family, adults busied themselves cleaning and decorating their homes, preparing dinner so the whole family could gather before going to church.

In the house at the end of the alley, Ms. Nguyen Thi My Trinh (born in 1990) is preparing a meal for her family before going to church. In front of the house, the couple has personally created a small nativity scene in the yard, hoping that this Christmas will be more cozy and joyful for the whole family.

As evening approached, a sudden heavy downpour enveloped the city streets. On the roads leading to the churches, crowds continued to grow, but at a slower, more cautious pace. The sound of the rain mingled with the ringing of the bells, creating a Christmas atmosphere that was both warm and solemn...

REPORTER TEAM

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mua-giang-sinh-an-lanh-am-ap-post830465.html