The FMA Sisters, together with Salesian Collaborators and Alumni, brought Christmas joy and essential to families at Ngoc Thanh Parish, Diocese of Quy Nhon. Generous contributions from Don Bosco of San Jose, California, the Province of Mary Help of Christians in Vietnam, and other benefactors made this “Christmas of Love” Post-Flood Relief Program possible.

On December 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., from the Provincial House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Tam Ha, the FMA Sisters, together with Collaborators and Alumni, joyfully set out to share the spirit and joy of Christmas with the parish community at Ngoc Thanh Parish, Diocese of Quy Nhon.

As is widely known, in mid-November 2025, Typhoon No. 13 (Kalmaegi) struck Central Vietnam. Prolonged heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, severely affecting many parishes, including Ngoc Thanh Parish. Parishioners and local residents suffered serious losses of life and property and are now in urgent need of support to recover from the disaster.

In solidarity with and with deep compassion for the hardships endured by storm-hit communities, the Sisters, together with Salesian Collaborators and Alumni, carried out an apostolic mission to visit, encourage, and provide assistance to the affected families. The visit was an opportunity to share with them the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ.

During this journey, the participants also experienced a spirit of synodality together during the final days of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

This mission was made possible thanks to the generous contributions and heartfelt support of many benefactors, including Don Bosco of San Jose, California; the Province of Mary Help of Christians in Vietnam; families both within and outside the country; and other esteemed sponsors.

After a journey of nearly 12 hours, the Sisters and volunteers arrived at Ngoc Thanh Parish in Bac Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, in the early morning of December 21.

Following the morning Mass, the Sisters and volunteers enthusiastically prepared for the “Christmas of Love” Post-Flood Relief Program. At the same time, the “Zero-Cost Supermarket” opened its doors, providing local residents with essential household items, including electric fans, rice cookers, kettles, gas stoves, mattresses, blankets, pillows, bowls, baskets, trays, and basins.

Volunteers were assigned to oversee different areas. The children’s play zone and the food stalls were managed by the Sisters, along with the Alumni, while the “Zero-Cost Supermarket” was co-organized by the Collaborators and the Sisters.

At 9:00 a.m., nearly 400 children gathered inside the church to participate in a quiz and watch the Christmas play, while around 650 parishioners assembled in the parish courtyard.

Before the gift distribution, Father Joseph Nguyen Ngoc Binh, Pastor of Ngoc Thanh Parish, together with Sister Maria Do Thi Tuyet Nhung, Vice Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, shared heartfelt words and words of encouragement with the parish community.

Following their remarks, parishioners received gifts consisting of an envelope of cash and tickets to participate in the “Zero-Cost Supermarket.” The atmosphere quickly became lively and joyful as families, with radiant smiles, flocked to the “Zero-Cost Supermarket” to select essential household items in according to the number of tickets they had recieved.

Mrs. Anna Huynh Thi Ban, a parish elder, shared: “This is the first time I have received such meaningful gifts. They are truly essential for my family, as the floods have damaged our belongings. I am sincerely grateful to the benefactors who provided these gifts.”

Alongside the “Zero-Cost Supermarket” activities for adults, the children’s area was equally lively and full of excitement. Joyful cheers and radiant smiles filled the air as the youngsters took part in fun games and received age-appropriate prizes to celebrate the occasion.

In addition, the children enjoyed the food stalls, which offered a variety of delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. Father Paul Nguyen Tan Thai, the parish’s assistant priest, was also present, joining in and accompanying the children in their joyful activities.

After two hours at the “Zero-Cost Supermarket”, each participant had used all their tickets and received essential household items for their families.

The children also wrapped up their games and enjoyed the food stalls with great joy, carrying with them the Christmas cheer they had received and shared with one another.

Before leaving, Mr. Paul Vuong Thanh Hung, with a joyful expression, exclaimed: “I am truly happy and grateful for these gifts, as they are very much needed for my family and are truly useful. My heartfelt thanks to the Father, the Sisters, and the benefactors who have shown their care for Ngoc Thanh Parish.”

Parents and children of the parish departed together, carrying with them gifts that, though modest, were filled with love and generosity from benefactors who contributed in various ways. These offerings served as a gesture of shared joy and helped ease some of the anxieties faced by families in the journey of rebuilding their life after the floods.

The program concluded at 11:00 a.m. The Sisters and volunteers then gathered to extend Christmas greetings to the Pastor and the Assistant Priest. In a spirit of gratitude, the Pastor expressed his heartfelt thanks to the group for visiting and sharing the joy of Christmas with the parish on this special day.

After sharing a fraternal lunch with the parish priests, the Sisters and volunteers set out on their return journey. During the more than 12-hour trip, prayers of the Rosary and psalms were offered in thanksgiving and praise to God, until the group safely arrived back in Tam Hà in the early morning of December 22.

United in gratitude to God for the gift of peace and the many blessings received and shared, each member deeply experienced the joy of the Gospel: in giving, one truly receives.

The Sisters extend their heartfelt gratitude to Don Bosco of San Jose, California, to families both within and outside the country, and to all benefactors who have generously accompanied and supported them in this meaningful apostolic mission. Through their generosity, the Love of Christ at Christmas has been spread to everyone, especially to those most in need of assistance.