A Special Friend to the Poor.
Sister Rose Vu and her return to Vietnam

Sister Rose Vu came to the United States accompanying Vietnamese refugees fleeing war and persecution. For the past two decades she has helped immigrants make a home here among us in the Twin Cities area.

Since 1988, Sister Rose has gathered support for Sisters of the Good Shepherd to serve women and children in rural South Vietnam. Her efforts have made it possible for many poor children to have access to clean water, food, shelter, clothing and a chance to go to school – and to pursue religious vocation. Today, Sister Rose is working to extend this ministry to North Vietnamese women and children.

In a recent letter she recalled two pivotal experiences that strengthened her convictions to do even more.

“Two years ago, I went to a cemetery where they buried aborted babies. There were thousands of little graves all over…I could not control my tears because I kept thinking of the mothers,” she wrote. Another transforming experience happened when returning from Vietnam. “On my way back to USA from Hanoi to Korea, I saw an older man who brought eight young girls to sell in Korea. I met them and talked to them on the plane. I had been to Korea before so I knew the women would be treated like slaves,” she sadly recounted. Human trafficking of poor women and children is a growing phenomenon of urgent global concern. “Why did God allow me to see all these things that break my heart? What does God want me to do?”

“Why did God allow me to see all these things that break my heart? What does God want me to do?”
~ Sister Vu

God’s answer can be seen in Sister Rose’s work establishing a home for unwed mothers and babies. A place where women can learn skills to gain independence – safe from the threat of trafficking.

What inspires her mission with women and children? “We are all members of the Mystical Body of Christ and at this moment part of Christ’s body is suffering,” Sister Rose says. “The mission to serve the Body of Christ transcends national and economic borders … I am not afraid because I trust in God’s providence through the support of people like you. I have experienced many miracles in my ministries over the years so I continue to do what I can, and leave the rest to God.”