The joy of Christmas in La Nham Parish

Give way to large-scale projects.

La Nham Parish, encompassing Hamlet 1 and Hamlet 2 in Nghi Yen Commune (Nghi Loc District), has 560 households with approximately 2,700 inhabitants. These days, alongside boosting business and production, the parishioners are busy preparing for Christmas and the New Year 2023. The first impression upon returning is of spacious, well-equipped houses that rival those in modern neighborhoods.

Mr. Ho Sy Luu, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, said: “The residential area in Hamlet 2 is subject to resettlement and relocation to make way for the construction of a waste treatment plant. Initially, no one wanted to move; it took many attempts to persuade the residents before they accepted to resettle here. Unexpectedly, their lives have completely changed for the better.”

La Nham Parish Church, Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district). Photo: Cong Kien

Mr. Ho Sy Luu vividly remembers that about 15 years ago, the lives of most people in the area were difficult and arduous. At that time, the Nghi Yen countryside mainly relied on rice cultivation. The rice paddies along the Cam River were affected by salinity, resulting in low yields and very unstable incomes. Local officials encouraged people to build dikes to prevent saltwater intrusion, change the rice varieties, and focus on proper care, gradually improving yields and the lives of the people.

Subsequently, two projects were implemented in Nghi Yen commune.large projectThese are the Household Waste Treatment Plant Project and the D4 Road Project leading to the Vissai Cement Grinding Plant and Seaport in Nghi Thiet commune. If successfully implemented, these two projects will have immense significance in development planning, creating a breakthrough in the socio-economic development of the locality.

However, these two projects currently affect hundreds of households in Nghi Yen commune, the majority of whom are Catholic parishioners. Initial implementation faces many difficulties because the people are unwilling to accept compensation and relocate to the resettlement area. This is because they have lived and been attached to their gardens and houses for generations, accustomed to their daily lives, and no one wants to change or disrupt their lives.

Peaceful life in La Nham Parish, Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district). Photo: Cong Kien

At that time, Mr. Ho Sy Luu was the village head. He always worked alongside the local authorities and organizations in persuading the villagers to accept relocation. He explained that moving to the resettlement area meant receiving compensation, allowing them to build decent houses and purchase modern conveniences. The remaining money could be saved for their livelihoods and their children's education, ensuring a stable future.

Initially, only a few households agreed to relocate, then a few dozen, and finally all the households agreed to accept compensation. To date,resettlement areaThe area is now well-maintained, with neat and straight roads. Besides agricultural production, many households also engage in service businesses and develop additional occupations, resulting in increasingly higher incomes and a stable and prosperous life.

Working alongside the government

The Pastoral Council of La Nham Parish has actively coordinated with the Party Committee, the government, the Fatherland Front Committee, and various departments, agencies, and organizations to propagate and mobilize the parishioners to participate in emulation movements in labor, production, economic development, and poverty alleviation.

Many households have boldly borrowed capital for production, labor export, and investment in purchasing machinery for agricultural production. Some households have taken advantage of their location along National Highway 1A and Road D4 to expand their businesses, diversify their occupations, and contribute to increasing family income and enriching their homeland.

Parishioners of La Nham parish, Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district) prepare to celebrate Christmas. Photo: Cong Kien

Many households in the parish have been honored as successful producers and business owners, earning around 200 million VND per year. The number of well-off and wealthy households has increased rapidly, while the number of poor households is now only about 20 (according to the new criteria), and the percentage of culturally exemplary families is over 80%.

Families regularly care for and support educational activities. All children of school age attend school, and the problem of dropping out has completely disappeared. People actively contribute to the scholarship fund and organize gift-giving events for children with good academic achievements, those admitted to universities, and underprivileged students who overcome difficulties.

In particular, with a spirit of mutual support and compassion, the parish priest and the Pastoral Council of La Nham Parish always participate in charitable work, contributing and sharing with the poor and the elderly who are lonely and unfortunate through meaningful gifts.

La Nham parish in Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district) has many well-maintained and clean residential areas. Photo: Cong Kien

In response to the movement "All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized urban areas", living "A good and virtuous life"The parishioners of La Nham Parish contributed their labor and money to build thousands of meters of concrete roads and irrigation canals in the fields. The Pastoral Council, along with the commune-level departments and organizations, mobilized parishioners to hand over 50 hectares of agricultural land to implement projects in the area."

At the same time, we will promote awareness among the people about environmental protection, climate change adaptation, law compliance, civic duty, and ensuring social security, order, and safety. We will also strengthen the movement to build a culture of solidarity and morality, embodying the values ​​of "exemplary grandparents and filial children," and showing love and compassion for everyone in the community.