On the morning of May 18, 2021, Caritas Bui Chu visited a COVID isolation area.  They were able to meet and share with the staff which takes care of teachers and 10th grade students at Le Quy Don school, as well as brothers and sisters currently working at the school who are ‘ F1 contacts,’ that is, those who had direct contact with a COVID-19 patient. They are quarantined for health monitoring at two facilities: Cat Thanh Town Continuing Education Center and Army Regiment 180 of Nam Dinh province.

Before being able to visit the brothers and sisters in their isolation, it was necessary for the delegation to receive disinfection procedures, have their temperature taken, and make a medical declaration.  The staff which welcomed the delegation manage and are directly responsible for medical care for isolated the people.  It was a joyful scene as everyone was sharing, caring and actively encouraging each other.

Father John B. Mai Quang Tuyen, director of Caritas Bui Chu, described the visit: "Today, our delegation came here first to visit the staff, thanking the staff who sacrificed this time in their lives to be here with their brothers and sisters.  They are caring for their ‘F1’ brothers and sisters directly, but their sacrifice also serves the health and safety of everyone in Nam Dinh province.  In particular, we want to share directly with the students and teachers who are here to quarantine for a while for the good of the community.  They have to leave behind their family, school, work, and familiar daily life to rest in this place.”

It is a great sacrifice.  In order to encourage the staff and those who are in quarantine, Caritas Bui Chu sent a gift of three-days’ worth of dry food to the isolation centers.

Although the gift is not large, it is a symbolic gesture of caring for our neighbours.  It is in keeping with the invitation of May 2021 extended by the director of Caritas Vietnam, Father Joseph Ngo Si Dinh, to promote a “culture stewardship” of our neighbours and of our common home, the Earth, during Laudato Si week 2021.  

A representative of the community in isolation expressed joy, respect and thanks to the delegation and to Bishop Thomas.  The brothers and sisters in isolation, the staff caring for them, and the entire diocese, felt their solidarity and warm love.

Caritas Bui Chu