Franciscans from a southern seminary have donated blood to local state-run hospitals as part of a special drive to observe Lent. “Around 65 Franciscan brothers and aspirants volunteered for the program at a mobile blood transfusion center at the Franciscan-run seminary based in Ho Chi Minh City on March 20,” said Brother Joseph Le Minh Chuyen, who is in charge of social activities. Other people in the area also came to the seminary make donations, he said. Peter Cao Huu Nghia, 20, an aspirant, said it was the second time he had donated blood at the seminary. “I wanted to do something helpful for people in need this Lent. Donating blood means saving people,” he said. The brothers said they had also donated nine million dong to buy rice and for poor local people. The Franciscan-run seminary teaches philosophy and theology to 38 Franciscan students and 74 students from other congregations. Related reports Catholics give blood to save patients VT13685.1646