Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
ShiJiaZhuang (Fides Service) – Religions in China are making a valuable contribution to the fight against SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. According to information sent to Fides Service by XinDe Faith Catholic bulletin, the most widely spread Catholic publication in mainland China, on 8 May representatives of the different religions in Hebei province, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Muslims delivered 90,000 Yuan (more than 10,000 Euro) to the director of the provincial Office for Religious Affairs. The money is in aid of SARS patients and hospital personnel.
Besides material aid Catholics are also offering concrete spiritual help. Numerous priests and nuns have asked permission from their superiors to “go to the front line”, in other words to offer spiritual assistance in hospitals assigned to treating SARS patients.
Father Liu Bao Cai from Cheng De in Hebei province told Fides Service: “I am a believer and as such I have a duty and a responsibility which cannot be avoided. I am ready to go at any moment to offer spiritual assistance and carry the Sacraments to people with SARS”. Three priests in Hebei seminary have written a special handbook of pastoral care with the title “Christian agape: fighting SARS”.
In Hebei province already 14 nursing nuns have asked to be sent to SARS hospitals. Three Little Sisters of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, Li Ting, Li Hai Yan, Zheng Gui Ju, already left for this mission. Sister Li Hai Yan told Faith bulletin: “I am a Catholic nursing Sister and at this moment of crisis it is my duty to offer to join the fight against SARS to save lives. I made this decision because it is a good opportunity to practice total dedication and authentic love”. Sister Huang Su Ying of the same congregation said: “Our charisma is to follow a path of holiness inside our community and to render glory to God outside the community, saving others. The fight against SARS is a good front on which to practice Christian charity. This service expresses our spirit and our charisma.” This generosity on the part of the local Catholic community is deeply appreciated by the local authorities and the health department. (Fides Service 19/5/2003 EM lines 28 Words: 384)
