ASIA/CHINA - Flooding claims the life of religious Sister Xue Ling, who worked with lepers; aid continues arriving from the Catholic community to the earthquake disaster areas

Hui Yang (Agenzia Fides) – A religious named Sister Xue Ling, of the Diocesan Congregation of the Holy Family of Lan Zhou, in the Province of Gan Su, died, caught up in the floods on June 13, while she was assisting victims of leprosy. Born in 1965, she made her perpetual vows in 1999. Five years ago, Suor Xue (her baptismal name was Maria) has been sent by her Congregation to assist leper victims in the district of Hui Yang, Province of Guang Dong. At the moment of her tragic death, she had just returned from the inauguration ceremony at Saint Peter’s Parish in Dan Shui. The mayor of the town, where the lepers live, informed her that one of the sick needed to be hospitalized immediately. Upon hearing the news, the religious sister left immediately to accompany the sick patient, without paying any attention to her fatigue. On her way home, the car she was in, accompanied by other people was overtaken by the floods: the driver and two patients were saved by rescue workers on the scene, however they were unable to revive Sister Xue. She lost her life in a generous testimony of love for her brethren, the lepers.
Meanwhile, the Catholic aid for earthquake victims continues to arrive, thanks to the commitment and dedication of many Catholics, especially priests, religious, and volunteers, coordinated by Jinde Charities. On June 13, another 100 tons of rice and 10 of cooking oil arrived in 9 trucks. This ration will feed over 10, 000 of the victims from a small district near the epicenter, for 10 days. On June 8, 20 tons of rice and 307 barrels of cooking oil arrived on the scene. Due to the emergency situations of the earthquake area, it is difficult to find means and workers. Thus, priests, religious, and Catholic volunteers loaded and unloaded 9 truckloads, distributing the supplies to 9 of the poorest districts near the epicenter. Moved by the gesture of the Catholics, the local authorities have told the priests, “we assure you, on our honor, to distribute the aid well, doing all we can to be worthy of the Catholics’ love and generosity.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/06/2008)