Adopt a Vietnam refugee village
CATFIOLICS all over the world have been stirred by the story of the Catholic N'ietnantese refugees — the story of mass heroism by fathers, mothers and children who have left their homes in Communist territory and gone into destitution to save their Faith.
Over and over again families hasp risked their lives. Many have in fact paid with their lives. All have arrived in the South with only what they • could carry in their arms.
Last week " The Catholic Herald " told of collections for the refugees made in the Southwark diocese, at the suggestion of Bishop Cowderoy in response to an appeal from Bishop PliantNgoc-Chi, Vicar Apostolic of Boiclui, who has charge of Catholic relief work.
This week comes news of hundreds of pounds collected in the Leeds diocese.
But much more—a flood of charity —is desperately needed.
"The Catholic Herald " has told, too, how all over France parishes and dioceses are "adnotine " villages of refugees. Cardinal firings, Archbishop of Coloene, has done the same on behalf of his diocese.
And now " The Catholic Herald" has received a letter from Mother Mary Joseph. of the Canonesses of St. Augustine at Westgate-onSea. urging that parishes and Catholic societies in this country should do likewise.
" The Catholic Herald " supports Mother Joseph's plea as an op ... portunity to demonstrate true Catholic charity towards suffering members of the Catholic Bishop Pham-Ngoc-Chi has shown in striking—even stageetingtigures the immediate needs of the refugees: 750,000 lbs. of rice a cla). 70,000 tiny thatch homes for 70,000 families.
100 churches for the same number of new parishes.
This, obliously, is a case where speed is essential.
The first think for the pat-kites and societies to do is to make contact with and send their gifts direct to Bishop Pham-Neoc-Chi, Vicar Apostolic of ihtlehu. The Bishop's address is: 1. Rue Frire Cluillerault, Saigon, South Vietnam.