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| Parishioners give blood |
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| Young children with Palm leaves |
Although this was the first time Dong Tien parish has tried to organize so that both events would take place simultaneously, the out-pouring support from participants who were eager to come to do both was very impressive, so encouraging that made organizers especially Fr. Cao beaming with pride and hopeful that the tradition can be carried on for many years to come.
The parish has marked the celebration with the traditional procession around the church, with many young children joining for the first time with excitement since they got to hold Palm leaves which were transformed into many artistic designs by Sisters of the Cross Lovers. The adults who were eligible for blood donation were then instructed to either head for the Blood Drive vans parked outside parish center. Many of them were young men and women who said they donated to make their Easter celebration this year more meaningful with actions rather than just a mere holiday celebration with prayers.
The blood drive at Dong Tien parish on 2009 Palm sun day was proven to be a success that made everyone feel so good about themselves. It was unclear whether the success was due to the advantage of having many people gathering for the Palm Sunday celebration or just because many had wanted to be in communion with Jesus’ sacrifice by giving the gift of life: blood.