The ceremony gathered 32 participants, including Caritas Board of Directors and staff, St. Joseph Parish Priests, doctor Tran Van Huan, representatives of Libra Sisters, benefactors, and patient groups and family representatives. The program is not only an opportunity for Caritas Da Lat to look back on its journey of supporting patients, but also to share stories and emotions throughout many years of companionship. The continuous efforts over the past time have only been with the hope of igniting the fire of hope for 133 male patients and 99 female patients at the facility, through psychological, social, medical and spiritual care activities.

Looking Back at the Journey of Love

In the past period, Caritas Dalat has implemented 36 group activity topics at two Trong Duc facilities, bringing hours of learning and connection to patients. Besides, for healthy patients in the core group – Carias Da Lat also creates conditions for the brothers and sisters to integrate into the community through picnics in Nha Trang, Lagi, Da Lat and Vinh Son Waterfall. Sports exchanges and grave making activities for the deceased are also organized, arousing the spirit of sharing, responsibility, and returning to one's roots.

In particular, the project has connected with 59 patient families and accompanied 11 return home cases, providing practical support both materially and mentally. Visits and encouragement are an indispensable part of motivating and sharing the burden with families taking care of loved ones in the community.

During major holidays such as Tet, Christmas, and Easter, many exciting activities are held, from fairs, games to quizzes, bringing a joyful atmosphere and positive connection to patients. In addition, the Board of Directors also focuses on the mental health of the staff. Lent and Advent retreats and professional training sessions are regularly organized, helping employees relieve pressure and improve professional capacity, maintaining the spirit of service in a special environment.

Future Directions

Entering a new phase, Caritas Da Lat continues to aim to “Improve the welfare of individuals with mental health issues through strengthening mental health care and community support in Lam Dong, Diocese of Da Lat” including:

  1. Patient care at the facility: Medical management, organization of social activities and return home support.
  2. Community-based care: Assess and support patients, promote social integration.
  3. Capacity building and networking: Train staff and promote community engagement.

Touching words of sharing

Father Director of Caritas emphasized: "We have been attached to the facility for many years and in the near future we need to reach out more to the community. Thank you to the two facilities for creating conditions for Caritas staff to accompany patients and carry out convenient activities."

Mr. Bui Van Thu, representative of the men's facility, also expressed his gratitude: "In general, society is very hesitant to serve the mentally ill, but over the past time, Caritas brothers and sisters have tried very hard to care for patients. The efforts of Caritas staff have brought about positive change."

Uncle Soi, representative of the patient's family returning home, shared: "The meetings and picnics bring great joy and meaning to both the patient returning home and my family. When the mentally ill are  returned home, people in the neighborhood are very scared, so I hope Caritas continues to accompany and encourage the family and patients in the community."

The summary program not only ends a period of ups and downs but also opens up new directions, continuing to spread love and hope. May God bless and guide us in our new journey, especially Trong Duc brothers and sisters in their mission of serving the little lives.