Sister (Nun) Mai Thi MauThe most exemplary and compelling illustration of the blend between religious spirit and civic responsibility is Sister Josephine Mai Thi Mau, former Director of the Di Linh Leprosy Center (Lam Dong province) who was awarded the title of “Labor Hero of the Renovation Era” by the State in 2001. The nun’s journey of over fifty years of dedicated service stands as a vivid testament to the ethos of “Living the Gospel in the Midst of the Nation”, extending the spirit of charity from the convent to reach the lives of the vulnerable.
A view of the Di Linh Leprosy Center (Lam Dong province)A member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul - a religious order with a spirituality centered on serving the poor and the sick - Sister Mai Thi Mau has dedicated herself to the Di Linh Leprosy Center since 1968. Upon entering religious life with a desire to serve, the nun soon realized that her religious mission was not confined to liturgical rites or the confines of the chapel, but had to be embodied through tangible actions in the world. Despite the heavy social stigma surrounding leprosy patients at the time, as well as a lack of medical facilities and resources, the nun steadfastly remained to personally care for and treat them, gradually transforming the lives of hundreds of patients.
Not stopping at emergency relief or pure medical care, nun Mai Thi Mau has gradually built sustainable support models. The nun focuses on supporting both the material and spiritual well-being of patients through initiatives such as housing construction, rehabilitation and job creation, notably, by advocating for the children of leprosy patients to attend school. Her approach is highly scientific and practical, ensuring support reaches the right people at the right time while fostering the beneficiaries’ integration and self-reliance.
The organizational skills and ability to mobilize social resources demonstrated by Sister Mai Thi Mau played a pivotal role in turning humanitarian ideas into reality. Fully aware that resources from the institution or the religious community were limited, she took the initiative to connect with and build trust among domestic and international charitable organizations and donors. Transparency in financial management, the effectiveness of individual projects and unwavering dedication constitute the solid foundation for attracting socialized resources.
In particular, in her interactions with authorities at all levels and mass organizations such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Red Cross, Nun Mai Thi Mau has consistently maintained a spirit of openness and cooperation while adhering to the law. The nun understands that close coordination between religious organizations and the authorities exponentially enhances the effectiveness of social welfare programs. This partnership not only ensures that charitable and social activities proceed smoothly and in compliance with regulations but also contributes significantly to strengthening the great national unity within the local community.
Reflecting on the dedicated journey of the nun and Labor Hero Mai Thi Mau, the most enduring value lies not merely in the material scale or the number of projects completed, but in the humble, composed spirit of commitment characteristic of a religious sister. The contributions of religious sisters not only alleviate specific forms of suffering but also spread positive moral values, bridge divides and strengthen solidarity among different ethnic groups and religions. This serves as the most vivid expression of the spirit of close attachment to and companionship with the nationm, an ideal that the Catholic Church in Vietnam consistently strives to uphold./.
