According to Father Minh, in May of 2020, during the early stages of the COVID pandemic, the poor at Trà Ếch became even more miserable. Concerned, the Bishop of the Diocese urged the churches to share rice with poor people. This very practical and meaningful action became a source of great inspiration and motivation for everyone.
Imitating the example of Christ, the caring shepherd of the poor, Trà Ếch’s little mission church for the first time opened their “SUPER MARKET NGHIA LOVE 0 Dong”, meaning that the poor could shop for what they needed at no cost. Father Minh mentioned that although this is a small action, it is incredibly significant because it shows that the church works in their community in very practical ways. He says, “The biggest achievement is that those who live in such poverty begin to feel that they are loved, respected, thought of and cared for. Receiving gifts that help them in their poverty gives them hope, especially in this difficult economic season caused by the epidemic.
When going to “SUPER MARKET NGHIA NGHI TINH – 0 Dong”, The people are allowed to choose what they like. Many feel, for the first time, that they are their own owner, deciding for themselves whether to take this dish and leave the other, just like shopping at a regular supermarket. Families who need eggs get lots of eggs, families who need cooking oil get more cooking oil. People enjoy coming together carrying their baskets just like going to a regular market. Despite maintaining social distancing, it makes for an enjoyable day.
Father Minh says that this is a very precious way of giving. It enables them to receive this gift while maintaining a sense of dignity. Father Minh finds it to be “priceless”; “This way of giving is more important than that of giving. This is probably a new and practical model that we hope to replicate everywhere so that the Lord’s love can be spread and specifically help the poor people.”
