At the first Patriotic Emulation Congress of Dong Nai Province held on October 15, not only were outstanding collectives and individuals honored, but heartwarming stories of selflessness and kindness were also celebrated.

Among them were two exemplary religious figures: Father Giuse Pham Quoc Tuan, pastor of Long Thanh Parish, and Venerable Thich Chon Nghia, head of the Social Charity Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Dong Nai. Both have worked closely with local authorities and residents to carry out meaningful social initiatives.

“Doing good is also living out one’s faith”

In recent years, Long Thanh Parish has become a beacon of charitable activity in the region, largely thanks to Father Giuse Pham Quoc Tuan. As parish priest, he has initiated, connected, and spread the spirit of sharing and compassion throughout the community.

Under his leadership, parishioners have actively participated in charitable programs and helped vulnerable groups. The total value of charitable work carried out by Long Thanh Parish recently has reached nearly 2 billion VND (approximately 81,700 USD).

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, when life was extremely difficult for many, Father Tuan rallied donors and raised 1.2 billion VND (around 49,000 USD) to support the local government's fight against the virus. Of this, 400 million VND went toward pandemic prevention measures, while 800 million VND was used to provide food and necessities for people under lockdown or quarantine.

He recalled how, even during the most stressful days of social distancing, poor parishioners would still bring vegetables, rice, and instant noodles to the church to donate to others in need.

“There were elderly women who had almost nothing themselves, but when they saw someone worse off, they would still bring a few kilos of rice,” Father Tuan said. “I’m merely the one who sparks the idea. The real strength comes from the parishioners. When they volunteer to do good, I believe their faith has become a way of life.”

His efforts have gone beyond the parish. He has also worked with local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and community organizations on multiple welfare programs. Between 2022 and 2025, he and the parish committed 758 million VND (approximately 31,000 USD) to providing gifts for young men joining the military, scholarships for disadvantaged students, and care for the elderly and poor during holidays.

“I always tell our parishioners that the church cannot separate itself from the community. We live in society, and we have responsibilities toward it. Doing charity work is a way to live out our faith, because where people strive for good, there you’ll find compassion,” said Father Tuan.

A religious duty, and a citizen's responsibility

Another standout figure in the patriotic movement is Venerable Thich Chon Nghia, who has been engaged in charitable work for decades as the head of the Social Charity Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Dong Nai.

Guided by the spirit of “compassion and relief,” he has mobilized monks, nuns, Buddhists, and donors to carry out numerous initiatives, including disaster relief, scholarship distribution, building charity homes, and supporting workers, the poor, and ethnic minority communities.

For him, charitable work is not only a religious responsibility but also a civic duty.

“Every good deed begins with compassion. When people feel loved and supported, they’re inspired to pass that on to others. That’s how a better society is built,” said the Venerable.

His commitment goes beyond charity. He has collaborated with government agencies and social organizations on environmental protection and public safety campaigns. With his leadership skills and devotion, he has contributed significantly to major events hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Dong Nai.

“When the temple and government work hand in hand for the people, it builds trust and social harmony,” he said. “To me, religion and the nation are inseparable-where there is love, there is the Buddha.”

For his persistent and quiet contributions, Venerable Thich Chon Nghia has been honored with numerous certificates, commendations, and letters of gratitude from the Dong Nai provincial government and various organizations, recognizing his wholehearted service to the community.

Though from different religions, they share a common heart. They have transformed love into action, turning religious spirit into a powerful force for good. Together, they have helped spread the spirit of patriotism and unity in Dong Nai.

Hoang Anh