Satisfied, warmed heart
The free meal stall, nestled in a small corner in front of An Binh Church, is bustling with people every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At dawn, the parishioners arrive to prepare and cook the food, and by around 10:30 AM, it's ready to serve customers. The meals are abundant and delicious, featuring savory dishes, stir-fries, soup, and fruit for dessert. Looking at the generous portions of delicious, meticulously prepared food, we truly understood the cooks' words: this free meal is better than home-cooked meals.
Father Vo Van Tho visits and greets the students who come to eat at the free meal restaurant. Photo: DUY KHOI
Ms. Nguyen Thi Le, a lottery ticket vendor, shared: “For almost two months now, since I learned about the free meal service at the church, I’ve been coming here regularly. The food is delicious, and the staff are very attentive and welcoming. I’m so happy; it helps to reduce my living expenses.”
There are two "special" groups that the free lunch restaurant regularly serves with great care. These are students from disadvantaged backgrounds, referred by their schools to have lunch here. Each child has a different story, such as being abandoned by their parents, having divorced parents, or parents working far away, or some having a parent involved in legal troubles… They come to eat after morning classes, politely greeting, thanking, and eating in an orderly manner. Understanding their circumstances, the parish priest and the staff at the free lunch restaurant regularly show concern, preparing delicious meals for them, regardless of whether they are religious or not.
Ngoc Loi and Ngoc Tram, students from a nearby primary school, happily ate their meal together and said, "We're happy, and our grandparents at home are also relieved because they get to eat delicious food and receive love and care from our grandparents here."
Another group consists of elderly people who are alone, in difficult circumstances, or ill and have difficulty traveling. Every day, the free meal service prepares hot meals and delivers them directly to these people. Mr. Nguyen Huu Linh, the person in charge of the "free meal delivery," said that he has delivered meals to nearly 20 people's homes, and everyone who received a meal was deeply moved, making him even more aware of the meaning of this charitable act.
Serving with love
The person who "lights the fire" and "keeps the fire burning" at the free food stall is Father Vincent Vo Van Tho, Parish Priest of An Binh Parish. Father Vo Van Tho is known not only as a famous musician but also as a priest who always helps the poor and those in unfortunate circumstances.
In the parishes where he served, Father Vo Van Tho devoted much effort to caring for the poor, such as donating health insurance cards, giving gifts and rice, and helping poor students. Having served at An Binh Parish for nearly a year, Father Vo Van Tho has carried out many meaningful activities to share and help people in difficult circumstances, and the free meal service is one of his heartfelt endeavors.
According to Father Vo Van Tho, the free meal service has been operating for over two months thanks to the contributions of philanthropists and parishioners. More than 100 meals are prepared to serve the community each day the service opens. Many people, even those who are not Catholic, such as traders at Tan An market, have donated vegetables to the kitchen. There are always about 10 people working in the kitchen, each with their own task, dedicating their hearts and souls to providing these compassionate meals.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, a parishioner of An Binh Parish, said: "Almost every day I'm at the kitchen sorting and preparing vegetables, and on opening days I arrive at the restaurant even earlier. Although it's hard work, I'm very happy to see people enjoying their meals."
As for Ms. Ly Thi Hong, who lives near the church but is not Catholic, she is very dedicated to this kitchen: "Seeing so many people coming to eat, we don't mind if it's a little hard work."
DANG HUYNH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/quan-com-0-dong-voi-tam-long-nhan-ai-a204444.html
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