Pot of porridge of love and the hearts of young people

(Baonghean) -Over the past 5 years, thousands of pots of charity porridge have been given to the poor and sick by the “Youth Group, Children of Our Lady” at Trung My parish, Cau Ram parish, Vinh city (Nghe An). From here, love for humanity is growing in each member of the group.

Every Sunday morning, you wake up earlier than usual. Some people light the fire, some people cut meat, wash onions... everyone is busy around the fire. When everyone starts a new day, it is also the time for you to divide up and bring bowls of warm porridge filled with love to the unfortunate fates.

You are taking advantage of cooking porridge to help people in difficult circumstances.

The porridge was put in lunch boxes and taken away while still hot. In the neighborhood, whenever there was a difficult situation, the friends came to give porridge. Tran Dinh Duong, the group leader, said: “At first, many people were hesitant because they did not understand our intentions, but after we convinced them that this was a bowl of porridge of love, our heart to those in difficult circumstances, they happily accepted the porridge. Seeing them eat the porridge made us very happy.”

When they heard that someone in the neighborhood was sick, they would come to visit. Many difficult cases in the neighborhood have become familiar addresses for them to give porridge. Moreover, on holidays and Tet, they also come to give gifts and congratulations. All expenses are taken from the group's fund.

Tran Dinh Duong added: “This activity was initiated by the parish priest of Trung My parish in Cau Ram parish in October 2006. At first, very few people participated. But when they understood its humanitarian meaning, more and more people participated. Up to now, the group has more than 70 members. Most of them are in primary and secondary school.”

Every Sunday morning, you guys come to give porridge.
difficult circumstances

At first, the group relied on sponsorship support. Later, with the thought that a stable fund was needed for the group to operate long-term, whenever they had free time, they would collect scrap to sell to raise funds. The money earned from selling scrap was put into the fund. In addition, to raise funds, if anyone in the neighborhood needed to hire workers, they would enthusiastically participate. From digging ditches, dredging mud, harvesting rice... all with the aim of having more money to buy rice and cook more porridge. Tuan, a member of the group, shared: "Many days, we harvested rice all night, then slept in the field to watch the rice. Although we were tired, we were happy because we understood the meaning of the work we were doing."

Ms. Tran Thi Hien, a parent whose child participates in the group, confided: “I was always afraid that the children would have fun and compete. But since this activity was born, the children have lived a healthy and happy life. All the parents whose children participate in the group are happy because they see that the children stay away from social evils and also know how to love others.”

You also participate in helping the lonely.

According to Duong, Diep, a member of the group, used to be a party animal and cause trouble, but after being advised and invited to join the group, Diep's personality changed completely. Up to now, Diep has always been the most enthusiastic person in the movements.

In addition to Trung My parish, My Hau, Tan Yen, and Yen Phap parishes also established groups specializing in cooking such charity porridge and rice.

Pham Bang