Spreading the model of a 'peaceful parish'
(Baonghean) - With the goal of enhancing the role and responsibility of Party committees, authorities, departments, organizations, and Catholic communities in ensuring security and order at the grassroots level, Dien Chau district has developed the "Peaceful Parish" model. After four years of implementation, the model has created a ripple effect and is increasingly being replicated...
Hamlet 4 in Dien Quang commune is a predominantly Catholic hamlet with 373 households, belonging to Phi Loc parish. The "Peaceful Parish" model in the hamlet was established in 2016 by the district police, the commune government, and the parish pastoral council, with specific operating regulations and task assignments for the members participating in the model.
Accordingly, the Standing Committee of the commune's Steering Committee regularly meets with the parish and sub-parish pastoral councils to exchange information and discuss matters related to ensuring security and order. This fosters consensus and cooperation in the cause of building and protecting the nation, and ensuring security and order in the commune and parish. Each Catholic household signed a commitment to implement the seven criteria for building the model, with 100% of households participating.
Since the model was implemented, the hamlet has been free of crime and social vices. The hamlet has achieved the "Safe in terms of security and order" standard and has been awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Provincial People's Committee for its participation in the new rural development movement.
Since its establishment, the "peaceful parish" model has enriched the village's traditions. The people are proud and strive to live "good lives and uphold moral values," diligently maintaining security and order, and beautifying their village and homeland. As a result, life is more peaceful and prosperous.
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| The "Peaceful Parish" model was created and received widespread support and participation from the parishioners of Dien Chau. Photo: Mai Giang |
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| The peaceful, joyful, and cheerful life of the parishioners of Yen Thinh parish (Dien Chau). Photo: Mai Giang |
Therefore, along with propaganda at the church and in the neighborhood, the Front Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council went to each family to analyze the harm and repeatedly persuaded them, so the business owners voluntarily removed the billiard tables, and the young people also voluntarily surrendered their guns.
Village 2 became the first unit in the commune to seize homemade guns and dismantle billiard tables, contributing to restoring peace to the village.
To maintain peace in the parish, the village's Front Committee and Parish Council must intervene in response to such negative phenomena. Using coercive measures is not very effective, so we have to use persuasive and reasonable methods of public relations. They understand that operating a billiard table is illegal and that using firearms poses a danger to society, so they agree to surrender the equipment.
Meanwhile, the Yen Thinh parish has only 25 households with 115 inhabitants, living concentrated in Hamlet 6, Dien Lien Commune. The parishioners mainly work in agriculture, overseas labor export, and construction, with an average per capita income of over 40 million VND per year. The number of families achieving the "Cultural Village" title annually consistently exceeds 90%. In 2012, Hamlet 6 was the first provincial-level cultural village in Dien Chau, and the poverty rate is currently only 1.1%.In the construction of new rural areas, the people have donated land and invested funds to upgrade 2.2km of roads, expand internal field transportation, build new cultural centers and playgrounds, improving the material and spiritual lives of the people. The model of "peaceful parishes free from law violations and social evils, and working together to build new rural areas" was established with operating regulations and specific task assignments for members to effectively carry out self-governance, combat various types of crimes and social evils; build national unity, live good lives, respect God and love the country; effectively implement the movement of national unity to build a cultural life in residential areas and work together to build new rural areas.
The "Peaceful Parish" model is promoted through various forms, such as via public address systems, community meetings, social security group activities, sermons in churches, and parish activities.
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| Maintaining security and order has contributed to a prosperous life for the parishioners of Yen Thinh parish in Dien Lien commune (Dien Chau district). Photo: Mai Giang |
To date, Dien Chau district has established six peaceful parish models in Dien Lien, Dien Quang, Dien Hanh, Dien My, Dien Doai, and Dien Ky. Through these models, members have directly mediated over 50 cases of conflict, including intentional injury, land disputes, environmental issues, and disturbances in the neighborhood. In addition, the local people have provided the police and other relevant agencies with over 100 valuable pieces of information regarding security and order, helping the police investigate and handle dozens of cases related to security, order, and traffic safety in a timely manner.
