In a sacred and meaningful atmosphere, the great family of Caritas in the Đà Lạt Diocese once again gathered to celebrate the feast day of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, the spiritual patroness of Caritas Đà Lạt. This special event, organized every two years at the diocesan level, is not only an occasion for members to come together in thanksgiving to the Lord but also a precious time for meeting, connecting, and sharing the joy of the charitable works that Caritas is carrying out.
The presence of the Vicar General and Director of Đà Lạt Caritas, Father John Bosco Hoàng Văn Chính, along with the deanery priests, Caritas coordinators from different deaneries, parish priests, assistant priests, Sisters, and over 850 members from parishes created a sacred atmosphere filled with communion.
The event began with lively cultural performances that helped ease the stress and fatigue of long journeys. Through each song and dance, the love and unity among Caritas members were profoundly felt. Laughter, sharing, and heartfelt connections filled the space, marking a promising start to this significant celebration.
When Father Director delivered the homily, the atmosphere became serene. "Caritas in Veritate" – Charity in Truth – is the guiding principle for all Caritas activities. He reminded us that in every poor person we encounter, we must see Jesus Christ, just as Saint Teresa of Calcutta dedicated her life to loving and serving the poor, regardless of their past, circumstances, or religion. Love cannot remain merely words; it must manifest through concrete actions.
These actions of love should not merely stem from individuals but from an organization that possesses vision, principles, and unified core values in all its activities, all guided by the providence of the Holy Spirit. Every Caritas member is not just someone performing charitable deeds but also a steward of love, a builder of society rooted in truth and kindness.
Therefore, Caritas members must not only possess a compassionate heart but also professional competence. Above all, they must maintain unceasing prayer, especially in urgent and challenging situations—praying for enlightenment and the grace to fulfill their tasks in love for others.
The wall-newspaper competition—following the example of Saint Teresa of Calcutta—was one of the most vivid highlights of this year’s Caritas feast day celebration. The competition created a colorful and creative atmosphere, where each parish showcased their deep understanding of Saint Teresa. Every word and illustration conveyed love and reverence for the saint who dedicated her entire life to serving the forgotten.
The wall-newspapers were not merely entries for a contest but rather pages from a diary of faith and tireless commitment by Caritas in following the saint’s footsteps. Gazing at the artwork and listening to the presentations by the teams, one could feel Saint Teresa’s presence, as if hearing her whisper: “Let us meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love.”
The harmony between love and faith was further enhanced through the quiz competition about the life of Saint Teresa. It was not just about interesting questions but also moments of reflection on the vivid example of a Mother who dedicated her entire life to caring for the less fortunate. With each question, we not only sought the correct answers but also came to realize: “We truly live when we give.”
After the lively atmosphere of the gathering, everyone proceeded to the church to celebrate Mass together. Prayers were offered for the charitable activities of Caritas in particular and for the entire world in general. Each prayer is like a seed of love sown in the soil of hope, so that Caritas of the Diocese of Đà Lạt may continue to grow strongly in the spirit of Christ and in imitation of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
On this occasion, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Father Director of Đức Trọng, Father Vincent Phạm Quốc Cường, for providing favorable conditions and wholehearted support in organizing the event, from food and venue arrangements to decorations and serving during the Mass. Everything was carried out perfectly and warmly.
At the conclusion of the Feast Day, Caritas members departed not only with joy and smiles but also with a flame kindled by charity and sacrifice. Mother Teresa left us an invaluable legacy—a legacy of boundless love, a love free from self-interest. As she once said: “Let us always remember that the work we do is but a drop in the ocean, but if that drop were missing, the ocean would lack something.” With this mindset, Caritas will continue its journey—a journey full of challenges but always illuminated by love and faith. And as Saint Teresa of Calcutta taught: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”