As a result, Vietnamese Jesuits and their collaborators have mobilized to offer their assistance to poor families, workers and those in need. Jesuit Fr. Joseph Truong Van Phuc, SJ, the head of the Social Apostolate Office of the Province, in collaboration with benefactors, volunteers and sisters from 6 congregations, has organized the distribution of food parcels for those most in need. 1.000 bags of rice and vegetables were provided for poor workers and migrants in Tan Phu District and District 8.
Fr. Joseph Hoang Van Tinh, SJ, vicar of Tao Tac parish in Da Lat Diocese, and his parishioners have harvested vegetables to supply people in quarantined areas in Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to donations of benefactors, Hien Linh, a Jesuit-run parish in Saigon Archdiocese, has provided rice and vegetables to poor families living in the parish’s territory. Jesuit Fr. Paul Nguyen Thai Son, SJ, has supported workers and poor families in locked-down areas in recent days by launching a “Zero VND Supermarket. The supermarket, sponsored by benefactors and friends of the Province, is providing free essentials and food to those in need.
As of July 22, Vietnam counted a total of 71,144 confirmed cases during the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
