Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Jinde Charities, the Chinese Catholic charity association has informed Agenzia Fides that Chinese Catholics, especially those in the area that suffered the terrible earthquake in May 2008, join the Holy Father and the Universal Church in praying for the victims, survivors, and rescue workers affected by the earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region in Italy. They have also composed a special prayer, inviting all people to join in prayer as the great family of God. This gesture takes on special meaning in light of the Paschal Mystery. On the Faith Website (www.chinacatholic.org) and that of Jinde Charities, ample news is being provided on the earthquake in Italy, with the same degree of coverage that was given the Wen Chuan earthquake in Si Chuan, which took place on May 12, 2008.
A statement on the site says: “we call upon the consolation of the Holy Spirit, that He may heal their wounds and give them the strength and grace they need to face this tragedy, with the help of all men of good will, so that they may trust in God in rebuilding their homes.”
One Jinde Charities volunteer commented: “We are united to all those who are suffering from this event, especially in the most difficult and dramatic moments. We feel united in prayer, in suffering, and in pain. We cannot forget the prayers and aid that our Italian friends offered us when we found ourselves in difficulty. There is a Chinese proverb that says that one drop of goodness should be repaid with an eternal fountain.” In the make-shift chapel that has been prepared in one of the tents in the earthquake zone of Si Chuan (where many of the victims of the May 2008 quake are still living), the Jinde Charities volunteers have been praying and saying the Rosary for the victims of the earthquake in Italy and for all the poor and suffering, in this moment of difficulty.
The President of Jinde Charities, Bishop Feng Xin Mao of Jing Xian, has sent a message to the President of Caritas of Italy, expressing their solidarity with the Italian people and expressing their great admiration and support for the rescue workers: “we pray for all the people affected and we hope that through everyone's collaboration they may overcome the present difficulties and be able to rebuild their homes soon.”
The Chinese community in Italy has taken immediate action, as is reported on the site “Tempo Europa China,” the main media agency for the Chinese living in Italy, with a website and newspaper in Chinese. “Italy is our second home. The peace, security, and prosperity of the Italian Republic are also important to us. We are united...We launch an appeal to all Chinese people living in Italy, to be generous in offering a donation...It is also an opportunity to participate in the society that has welcomed us.” Within 12 hours of the earthquake, the Chinese community in Prato had already presented the first donation of 27,000 Euros to the Government of Prato. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2009)
