ASIA/CHINA - Returning from the earthquake zone, the first volunteers and religious sisters share their experience of faith lived in the midst of a desperate people

Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – Catholics in He Bei have welcomed their “witnesses to the faith” with arms wide open: the first volunteers, including religious sisters who arrived on the site of the wreckage immediately following the earthquake, in order to begin providing aid and offering their Christian testimony in the midst of a desperate people in search of spiritual consolation. Throughout the world, these religious have been esteemed for how well-received they were in the earthquake-stricken area, always wearing their habit and a cross around their neck. Upon their return on May 31, the religious from 9 diocesan Congregations of the Province of He Bei and from the Congregation of Charity of Tian Jin returned to their normal daily work. Also, in their communities they have shared their experience of faith and the missions lived in the midst of so many people suffering because they have lost everything. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 3/6/2008)