Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The population living in the Chinese territory recovering from the earthquake is very grateful for the prayer and personal donation sent to them by the Holy Father Benedict XVI and for all the work being carried out by the international Catholic community in response to this tragic event. The local Chinese authorities have expressed their gratitude, as well, in a meeting held to report on the immediate damages suffered by the Catholic community and in a press conference that took place on June 5. Taking part in this meeting and offering their input were six bishops, several priests, the Directors of Jinde Charities and Caritas Germany, and a group of volunteers. The Director of Jinde Charities told reporters: “The Holy Father Benedict XVI has just launched an appeal to the international community and asked for prayers for the victims. He has also sent his own personal donation for aid efforts.”
Jinde Charities and Caritas Germany, along with another 8 countries (Austria, Belgium, Korea, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, and Sweden) continue providing aid for the population, entering into a contract with the county where the epicenter is located, in Wen Chuan, in which the Catholic community will be responsible for offering rice and cooking oil to the local population. Six bishops have already visited the earthquake site and the Catholic religious sisters are continuing their work there, in the midst of people who are in desperate need of physical, psychological, and moral assistance. According to an initial statistic presented during the meeting, the cost in earthquake damages to Catholic Churches and Buddhist temples will add up to nearly 1 billion, 100 million Yuan (110 million Euros). (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 06/06/2008)
