Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – In anticipation of Chinese New Year, which falls this year on February 14, the Chinese Catholic community is already organizing itself, as it does every year, to care for disadvantaged families and those who fall under the weaker segments of society, so as to reach out to them during in this time of celebration. According to information received by Agenzia Fides, lepers, the mentally disabled, elderly living alone ... are all the top priority for being visited by Catholics. The Sacraments - Reconciliation, Communion, Anointing of the Sick – will also be provided for those who have difficulty getting to a church.
Among the many initiatives we have received news of, the parish of Lin He, Diocese of Ba Meng, has reported that its faithful have visited the hospital, nursing homes for the elderly, orphanages, and families in difficulty, bringing them milk, rice, flour, cooking oil, fruits, and also financial aid, so that everybody can live the New Year's celebrations. They also sent more than 300 comforters (blankets) to the area hit by heavy snowfall in recent days. The faithful also visited the parents of their priests and religious, to thank those families who have children serving the community.
Farmers from the poorest area of mainland China, the Province of Gui Zhou, thanked the priests and faithful of the parish of Wei Yuan, Diocese of Gui Zhou, with these words: "You, members of the Church are the only ones there take care of us. Your faith is true and good." With 600 coats and other food items collected in the parish, they too will spend winter and the New Year with less discomfort. Fr. Ning Meng You, Vicar of the Diocese of Tai Yuan, along with 3 priests and 18 extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, led the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick for 197 families with seriously ill members or elderly over 80. This gesture of love from the Church, which has been repeated for 16 years, has gathered great appreciation from among the faithful. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/01/2010)
