Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, sent a message through Fr. Eamonn O’Brien, offering his solidarity with Catholics in China and the entire population of the country. The message was also published in Faith of He Bei. Recalling his unforgattable trip to China last year, in his message the Cardinal said, “may we all join in praying for our brothers and sisters affected by this tragedy.” The spiritual prayer chain for China is also involving youth of Taize: “over 2,000 European youth will join in praying for China and the victims tonight in Taize,” said Taize’s Prior Fr. Alois, successor of Fr. Roger, who has donated 10,000 Euros to the help effort. “Just two months ago, our brethren visited the community of Catholics in Si Chuan. We express our support for them and they are in our prayers.”
The toll of victims continues on the rise: until now, the official number is 12,012 dead, 9,404 under the rubble, 7,841 missing, and 26,206 wounded. In the area of the epicenter, the district of Wen Chuan, which had a population of 105, 436, has been reduced to 2,300. The authorities have asked religious communities in the area to participate in the aid efforts. The Chinese Catholics have been on call since the moment of the tragedy, and have intensified their spiritual and material support along with the other religions present, asking for aid from the entire Catholic world, which has always shown a great willingness to help and support the people of China, as the petition made by Jinde Charities affirms.
The Catholic community affected by the earthquake is doing all it can to help the population. In the Cathedral of Tian Jin, prayers are said every day for the victims and relief workers, and several Catholics have offered to donate blood. The Diocese of Hain Men has immediately placed itself in contact with Jinde Charities in order to begin participating in the aid efforts. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2008 - righe 22, parole 330)
