Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Lent is a time in which the Christian is called to open his eyes and lend a hand to his neighbour, towards those brothers who live in difficulty, poverty, and injustice. This is what the message from His Excellency Lazzaro You Heung-Sik, Bishop of Daejeon and President of the Bishops’ Commission for “Caritas Korea” says. In his statement, the bishop asks his faithful to once again take into account their own personal commitment to performing works of charity during Lent, following the Lenten Message of Pope Benedict XVI.
In the letter which has been sent out to the entire diocese, Bishop Lazzaro You offers four basic lines of action: offer catechesis to the faithful, making them aware of the needs of the poor, in parishes, communities, and Church movements; distribute the Korean translation of the Holy Father’s Lenten Message; prepare the faithful for the “World Day of Fasting for Charity” that will be observed by the entire Korean Church, being offered especially for Caritas, on Friday, March 14, 2008; and lastly, promote fundraising for Caritas of Korea on Palm Sunday (March 16, 2008).
Caritas is heading up a campaign to awaken consciences to the materialistic lifestyle that is being imposed on the Korean society, reminding the people that every Christian is called to promote a culture of sobriety and mutual support. Caritas admonishes the faithful to seek the common good, to live and practice the authentic spirit of love, so that the ecclesial community may be effective in the area of charity. Caritas Korea also promotes the formation and commitment of religious and laity to work with non-Christians. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2008 righe 21, parole 271)
