ASIA/CHINA - Earthquake victims in Si Chuan say: “the Catholics are among the few who have stayed to help us.”

Tian Shui (Agenzia Fides) – Coordinators of the Center for Social Services of the Diocese of Xi An in the Province of Shaan Xi, the parish of Xi He of the Diocese of Tian Shui in the Province of Gan Su have sent 5 university students to the earthquake zone to help the youth who have missed their classes because of the violent earthquake last May 12. Among the 5 Catholic university students, 2 are catechumens. In spite of the many damages it suffered in the earthquake, the parish of Xi He has not looked after its own problems, but has instead thought of those most in need.
Over 2 months have passed and the earthquake-affected area is still in a difficult situation. Many of the groups, associations, and NGOs that came to offer aid immediately following the disaster have already left the area. As the local people say, “now the Catholics are among the few who have stayed to help us.” The local Catholics have continued their religious practices in tents, or outdoors. The largest liturgical celebration that has taken place was the inauguration of the Year of Saint Paul. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/7/2008)