Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “Let us offer them hope” was the title of the Pastoral Letter of Bishop John Tong of the Diocese of Hong Kong, issued on the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15), asking for generous support of Caritas. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), in the Letter addressed to all the faithful, it says: “'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world...Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Mt 25:34-40). With these words, the Holy Father Benedict opened his first encyclical Deus Caritas Est. He explained who our neighbor is...”
Bishop Tong continues: “Truly, those who are weak, marginalized...they are are neighbor. The word Caritas come from the Latin and indicates the freely-given charity of Christians. This is how the objective and commitment of Caritas could be resumed: give hope to those who are forgotten, those who despair, with all our effort...Even with government contributions and generous donations from civil agencies, Caritas often finds financial difficulties for carrying out its many charitable services. Thus, every year they count on you, on your generous offerings, so they can offer these people hope.”
Lastly, Bishop Tong encouraged the faithful to meditate on the words of Saint Paul: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully...God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:6-9). He concludes with the exhortation: “Keep in mind that everything will pass, but true love, true charity, endures forever.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/09/2009)
