In our minds, the familiar image of Christmas often includes the twinkling lights beautifully decorating churches, the Christ Child lying in a manger, rows of tall pine trees, and a cheerful Santa Claus carrying a large sack of gifts on his shoulder. We also picture bustling crowds dressed in their best clothes, hand in hand, marveling at the simple beauty of the Christmas night.

However, not everyone was fortunate enough to enjoy the joy of Christmas. Father John Bosco Hoàng Văn Chính, Director of Đà Lạt Caritas, shared: “Our brothers and sisters at the Trọng Đức Social Support Center are at a disadvantage because they cannot go out, visit churches, or admire the beautifully decorated twinkling lights.” Many patients, regardless of the occasion, had no opportunity to go outside and could only gaze at the walls of the common room in the Trọng Đức mental health facility.

With a little effort, Đà Lạt Caritas hoped to bring a meaningful Christmas atmosphere to the brothers and sisters at both the male and female facilities. It was hoped that the joy of Christmas would not only give the patients a chance to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere but also strengthen the spirit of connection and love among everyone.

With that spirit, on December 27, 2023, the members of Đà Lạt Caritas got on the car and went to the Trọng Đức Social Support Center. Early in the morning, everyone gathered at the entrance, warmly greeting one another with handshakes, smiles, and cheerful inquiries.

The preparations went smoothly, with great teamwork among the groups. The sound and lighting systems were ready, rows of chairs were neatly arranged, drinks and gifts were carefully prepared. The patients gradually took their seats, following the guidance of the volunteers. Two MCs stepped out with bright smiles as lively music began to play, signaling the official start of the Christmas celebration.

Present at the Christmas celebration were Father John Bosco Hoàng Văn Chính, Director of Đà Lạt Caritas; Sister Trần Thị Hằng from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), head of the Trọng Đức Social Support Center for both male and female facilities; Dr. Điệp from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Lâm Đồng Province; religious brothers; youth leaders and members from St. Joseph Thanh Bình Parish; students from the Social Work Department of Đà Lạt University; representatives from the Disabled People’s Associations of Lâm Hà and Đức Trọng districts; as well as staff members of Đà Lạt Caritas.

The celebration was truly lively as the participating members prepared and contributed various performances of singing, dancing, and celebrating Christmas together. It began with the dance performance “Hòa nhịp Giáng Sinh” by the Social Work Group of Đà Lạt University, followed by familiar traditional songs such as “Ôi

cuộc sống mến thương,” “Sống như những đóa hoa,” and “Hai mùa Noel” presented by the Disabled People’s Associations of Đức Trọng and Lâm Hà.

A special highlight was the participation of the patients from both male and female facilities, who shared heartfelt performances of hymns like “Mùa Đông Năm Ấy,” “Hang Belem,” and “Mừng Chúa Giáng Sinh.” Their simple and sincere presentations were filled with emotion and a deep love for music, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

In between the main musical performances was a fun quiz with lighthearted questions centered on the theme of Christmas. One particularly engaging question was: “If baby Jesus cried, what would you do to comfort Him and stop Him from crying?” This open-ended question was asked by the MC to the patients at the end of the quiz.

Many hands eagerly went up, along with heartwarming responses such as, “If the baby cries, He needs to be fed with mother’s milk,” or, “Hug the baby tightly, and He won’t cry anymore,” or even, “I would sing to the baby—He’ll stop crying when He hears my beautiful voice.”

These responses from the patients, despite their challenges, were filled with such warmth and humanity! And what about you, dear readers—how would you answer this question?

Particularly for Christians, Jesus is the true image and representative of the small, the marginalized, and those in need of care, love, and support more than ever. The “cry” of Jesus is also a metaphor for the “cry” of the vulnerable, the suffering, and those in despair. The way to “comfort the child and stop the crying” is through acts of charity, love, and self-sacrifice to serve the community according to each person’s ability.

Indeed, the joy of Christmas is not found merely in the twinkling lights or candlelit feasts, but it is truly complete when expressed through gestures of love we share with one another—with our family members and, especially, with the little ones in need of our care, protection, and support.

On this occasion of Christmas, Caritas DaLat would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants, collaborators, volunteers, and especially to our benefactors, patrons, and generous donors who have supported and collaborated with Caritas in numerous charitable activities. Your generosity has become the extended hands that enabled Caritas Đà Lạt to reach many unfortunate lives.

We sincerely wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas season, filled with enthusiasm to continue doing good for society and the community.

“Just as Christ was born to unite heaven and earth, may each of us also open our arms to connect with one another and care for the friends present among us.” — From the speech of Sister Trần Thị Hằng, FMM.