BATU ARANG: On July 5 members of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang Conference led by conference President Alex Nathan visited Rumah Ozanam, the SSVP AIDS/HIV Home for women, in Batu Arang, 12km, from Rawang. The Vincentiens’ first stop was at St Michael’s Chapel, Batu Arang, to meet Fr Edwin Soosay, the administrator, and then follow him to Rumah Ozanam. All the Homes/Shelters managed by Catholic organizations and spread around Batu Arang fall under Fr Soosay’s pastoral care.

At Rumah Ozanam, housed in a large single storey bungalow with spacious compound, the visitors were greeted by the Resident Nurse, No Deih Nuam, a Myanmar. After receiving the foodstuff and presents brought by the visitors, No Deih gave some details of the home.

Rumah Ozanam is managed by SSVP Comference of St Jude, Rawang. There are ten women residents, some of whom are migrants. There are three children as well staying with their mothers; one of them is HIV positive and would require medication throughout his life.

No Deih Nuam who is assisted by MEP volunteer nurse, Constance, stated that while the residents receive their daily medications at the home they are also taken to Sg Buloh Hospital for regular check ups. The Residents kept busy with handicraft, gardening and preparing meals.

The newest and youngest member of the conference, Charles Sunthaiyagoo, had this to say: “I am greatly impressed; the Church and SSVP Conference care and look after these sick and marginalized people whom the society at large generally ostracizes.” — By John Ayavoo