As Pope Francis prepared to leave Mongolia last year, he had one final message for Brother Andrew Tran Le Phuong SDB. The Salesian had accompanied the Pope on his tour of the country, highlighting the missionary outreach of the Church there – work which Br Andrew himself has been strongly involved in.
‘Remember, serve the people, the poor people, with your compassionate heart’, the Pope told Br Andrew at the airport. ‘Please, remember to serve the poor people.’
Br Andrew was in Australia in October for World Mission Month, as Catholic Mission raised money to support the Church’s work in Mongolia. He has spent more than two decades in the country, supporting young people, the homeless, and others in need.
HOUSE OF MERCY
Among the programs supported by Catholic Mission is the House of Mercy in Ulaanbaatar, which Pope Francis visited while he was in Mongolia. The house is something of a sanctuary, supporting a wide range of people in need in a variety of ways. For some it’s food or healthcare or laundry facilities. For families, it also offers a place to escape from domestic violence.
‘I remember very well the day we welcomed him at the House of Mercy. He was very warm, fatherly, welcoming. Then he gave us a blessing, and he called to me, “Brother Andrew, come I want to tell you something.” He gave me an envelope, with a little money inside. He gave us extra money for the poor people. With this money we were able to set up some kitchens to help people in our projects.’’
TECHNICAL SCHOOL
The House of Mercy is just one of a number of Church projects in Mongolia. When he first arrived in the country, Br Andrew helped found a technical school in Ulaanbaatar. Beginning with just 24 students, its enrolment is now 200 students annually. Offering trades such as auto mechanics, welding, electrical work, industrial design, and secretarial studies, the school provides a pathway for students from some of the poorest families in Mongolia. Brother Andrew emphasises that most of the students come from very low-income backgrounds, often single-parent households or families from rural areas who have migrated to Ulaanbaatar in search of a better life.
Despite charging only $200 per year, which covers just 10% of the school’s expenses, no student is turned away for financial reasons, thanks to donations and fundraising efforts.
WORK ETHIC
Most importantly, Br Andrew says the school’s not just about imparting technical skills, but fostering a strong work ethic and moral character among the students. Around 75% of graduates secure jobs immediately after finishing their studies, while others go on to further studies.
‘What the employers need are disciplined workers’, Br Andrew says. ‘The skills they can train in the short term, but character and discipline takes time. That’s why they very much appreciate our students, because of the discipline in their working behaviour.’
The visit of Pope Francis might have put Mongolia on the map for a short time, but the work of missionaries like Br Andrew is of course ongoing.
‘If you follow the interview with the Holy Father in the plane when he went back to Italy, someone asked him, “Why Mongolia?”’ remembers Br Andrew. ‘He said, ‘because it’s far away and small, that’s why I’ve come’. That’s why we feel very consoled as missionaries. We are in a far corner of the world, but he came to us.’
SUPPORT APPRECIATED
In particular, he acknowledges the support he’s received from Catholics around the world, including here in Australia.
‘I always say that we missionaries, alone, we cannot do much. Without the support of people with good hearts, we cannot do much. We receive support from Catholic Mission Australia and many good people. Please continue to pray for us and support us.’
See the Catholic Mission website for more on how you can support Br Andrew’s work in Mongolia.
Images: Br Andrew at his clinic in Ulaanbaatar.