The Franciscans’ Christmas in Vietnam

St. Francis of Assisi wanted every creature to celebrate the joy of Christmas. His friars in Vietnam worked hard this past Christmas to make sure that as many of their brothers and sisters experienced that sense of joy.

The friars spent a good part of time before Christmas visiting stores where they bought food and toys. At their friary they put together packages with the items they had bought. After they loaded the packages into a van they drove through the country and visited the poorest, most vulnerable people and gave them the packages. Both adults and children were delighted by the friars’ Christmas gifts as the video below indicates. These gifts made their lives just a little easier.

 At the orphanage near the friary while delivering their gifts, the friars played with the children who call the orphanage home and watched them dance and sing in a choreographed performance. In another community, the friars found out that the local people have problems accessing clean drinking water. They were thankfully able to assist the community in digging a proper well. Now, as the New Year unfolds, the community will have one thing less to worry about.

The Conventual Franciscan St. Joseph of Cupertino Province from the Western United States helps care for its Order’s mission in Vietnam. Four friars from California – Friar Tuan Nguyen, Friar Luc Vu, Brother Jerry Payne, and Friar James Phan – now live in Vietnam and serve its people.