“God called out to me..."
Sharing of feelings after the visit of the Interreligious Dialogue Committee to the Charity Clinic Channel 7 at Kien Giang province.
Charity Clinic Channel 7 is a united humanitarian effort of 5 religions of Buddhism, 5 Caodism, Hoa Hao, Tin lanh and Catholicism. This so-called “Clinic of Five (5) Religions” has been existing since 20 years.
The Interreligious Dialogue committee sang praises and beautiful voices filled the bus as they began their journey from Can Tho City enroute to the Charity Clinic Channel 7 in Kien Giang province. Meanwhile, their hearts were filled with prayerful remembrance as they bade farewell to the passing away of Fr. James Nguyen Duc Thinh, a herbalist doctor and former director of the clinic.
Incidentally, February 27, 2014 was Doctors’ Day. While in Ho Cho Minh City, we were planning to visit Fr. James but were surprised to know that he just passed away. The people coming from different places whom he touched and cared in his lifetime have been filled with grief and sadness of his untimely departure.
We were awed and surprised at the sight of the clinic where you can witness “a labor of love” by the five (5) religions of Buddhism, Cao Dai, Buddhism Hoa Hao, Protestants and Catholics. They professed different religious beliefs but share a golden heart as big as the world to build a”healing center” for all people. The clinic has been equipped with modern clinic equipments that facilitate the healing process of all patients.
The healing service of the clinic becomes wholistic with the love and compassion given by the people running it. Hence, we would like to recognize the work of love by these persons we met during our memorable visit.
- Hai Be – a Hoa Hao Buddhist who collects food on foot from generous people of different faith in the neighborhood for the patients to eat. After his food collection during the day, he still help in maintaining cleanliness in the clinic. He does it all in silent service.
- Ba Tai – a Hoa Hao Buddhist and herbalist. He collects herbs in the mountains and forests of Dac Nong, Dong Xoai, and Phu Quoc for the patients.
- Chi Chinh – she is a Buddhist and an office staff of the clinic. She goes to work by motorbike traveling 50 kilometers everyday. Yet she’s full of joy to serve the patients.
- Ngoc Bao – she’s the herbal pharmacist in the clinic. She’s happy to be of service to the patients.
Fr. Joseph Phan Anh Dung, the new director shared that Ngoc Bao has no sleep last night because she took care of the patients but still she radiates her cheerful smile to everyone. One might ask, What power that energizes her to give so much? If not of the goodness and benevolence of the Healing God … one’s Christian Faith.
Father James Nguyen Duc Thinh died on February 28 at 1:00 o’clock in the morning having spent his lifetime as a herbalist doctor. He lived a full priestly life. Father's coffin was lying in state at St. Joseph parish church which is adjacent to the clinic. Meanwhile, the clinic was still in full operation welcoming 200 to 250 patients a day.
Words from the “mouth of babes”:
I was standing near the burial ground for Fr. James corpse. I suddenly heard the conversation of the two Grade I pupils who were watching the graveyard preparation.
- What are they doing? asked the older kids .
- They tried to dig holes to bury Father .
- Oh, it’s awful! A priest to be buried here ?
- Yeah !
- Oh dear ! Father will become a ghost. He’s buried in here!
- No ! Father wouldn’t become one. It is because Father loves us. Remember, when he was still alive he gave us candies and did some magic for us to enjoy. Do you still remember that?
- Yes, we remember it! Father loves us.
Fr. James, God called you to bear witness to his Kingdom. You have completed your mission as a priest and pastor who always give the love to your flock especially the poor patients.
When Fr. James and the parishioners built this clinic they have only in mind to take care of the people living in this remote area. But as years went on, this infirmary flourished and became a source of hope and healing of all patients coming from different places.
The clinic staff, patients and people bade goodbye to their beloved friend, pastor and doctor with hearts overflowing with emotions. With grateful and prayerful hearts, they thanked God for the love and friendship they have experienced with Fr. James and for all the friends they have met in the clinic.
Fr. James, we have great respect and admiration on you and we believe that you will happy in the eternal embrace of our loving God.
Prayer is the way to enable us to walk on the narrow path, to enjoy the beauty of life and to restore our health to healing and wholeness.
May the “Charity Clinic Channel 7” remain steadfast as the healing and loving refuge for all the sick people in and around the area where love is shared by everyone who enters the clinic and as a result more people will experience the presence and the merciful kindness of a loving and gratuitous God, the Father of all.
Translator: Sr. Fenecia
