Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mian Yang (Agenzia Fides) - “Thank you and keep up the good work! You spread Christ's love, participating in His work of Redemption.” This is what Superior Generals of the 11 Chinese religious congregations of sisters of the province of He Bei, in their visit to the earthquake area, told their sisters and volunteer workers who continue providing aid in the area that was devastated by a quake on May 12, 2008, in collaboration with Jinde Charities, the Chinese Catholic charitable organization. The religious congregations that belong to the Association of Superior Generals participated in the rescue effort following the earthquake, sending their sisters to work “in the front line,” in collaboration with Jinde Charities. Today, nearly 8 months after the earthquake, the religious continue working in the area, and they are nearly the last of the rescue workers that remain. Their spiritual and material aid has been a vital source of strength for the people.
According to information gathered by Agenzia Fides, during the 4-day visit (January 9-13), the Superiors visited the most affected areas, bringing consolation and love to all – religious, volunteers, and earthquake victims – and being thanked by the local authorities and local people who are still living in provisional refuge areas. One district leader said, “Jinde (Charities) has been approved by people of all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. Your 4 centers for psychological and moral support have been a great consolation and help to us. We have been moved by all your work. Thank you.”
Many of the local people have stopped the religious to be able to look at “their angelic faces, their religious habit, and the cross,” the sisters themselves say. The sisters went to the cemetery to pray for all the victims of the tragedy. During the visit, the Superior Generals encouraged all the sisters and volunteers. Sr. Song Gui Fen, of the Franciscan Congregation of the Diocese of Zhu Ma Dian, told her sisters: “live this opportunity to serve Jesus in these earthquake victims, with love.” Sr. Zhang Ai Xiang, President of the Association of Superior Generals of He Bei said: “saving lives is a difficult mission. However, after the first rescue effort, the mission of consoling so many people's hearts and encouraging them to keep going forward, is even more difficult. What you have done and continue doing is spread the love of Christ.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2009)
