The sudden and seemingly unstoppable spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam has forced many people to face painful situations, triggering a rise in a variety of mental illnesses, including depression and stress. This trend has increased at an alarming rate in recent months.
The loss of loved ones, financial hardship, and uncertainty generate tremendous anxiety, which is aggravated in those who have previously struggled with mental health issues.
In light of this reality, our Hospitaller clinics aim to provide the necessary care to as many people as possible. We focus our efforts on optimising the organisation of our available resources and preventing the onset of mental illness.
A social commitment
In this unprecedented crisis, we also collaborate with the Church and society in general. Since April, , the sisters—joined by several collaborators from our centres—have delivered, on a monthly basis, material and spiritual support to people in need who come to us for help. Through this, we are trying to alleviate the spiritual pain, as well as the physical and psychological distress they are suffering.
At the same time, in response to an invitation from our Diocese, the Delegation’s sisters volunteer at field hospitals. We also welcome and care for people suffering from mental illness at our own clinics, helping them to resume their daily activities and purpose in life.
In short, during this time of uncertainty and pain, our work encompasses five key functions:
1. Listening and understanding, with sensitivity, to spread HOPE.
2. Alleviating the psychosocial burden of the COVID era by helping to build a familiar environment of hospitality between society and the Church.
3. Strengthening Hospitaller values and identity, to help stem the pain of loss resulting from traumatic situations, particularly among patients inside and outside of the Centre.
4. Awakening and empowering in each sister the desire to pursue and practice Hospitality in the present environment.
5. Encouraging, promoting, and enhancing the spirit of sisterly communion among sisters, volunteers, and families.
To achieve our objectives, we meet quarterly to coordinate our efforts after carefully evaluating the initiatives adapted to each local situation.
This project, which we launched in reaction to the COVID-19 health crisis, is scheduled to end in December 2022. Through all of these “small” contributions, the Delegation’s ongoing efforts have tremendous meaning and are critical given the current situation. We will continue working to ensure that we can all enjoy a “new horizon of hope” once the crisis is over.
Maria Nguyen Thi Vui, Sister Hospitaller from the Delegation of Vietnam.
