ASIA/TAIWAN - Archbishop of Taipei launches "An Appeal for Love in Lent," for the people affected by the typhoon last August

Taipei (Agenzia Fides) – In this Lent we are invited to be very especially united, "gather together to cry, smile, and bear witness to the glory of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ." This is the call that Archbishop John Hung SVD of Taipei, launched in a letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese for Lent. A copy of the letter was sent to Fides. In the text, which is dated February 3, 2010 and entitled "An Appeal for Love in Lent," it says: "The Archdiocese has decided that all Lenten collections this year will go to the people affected by the typhoon" last August, involving the Dioceses of Cha Yi, Tai Nan, Kao Hsiung, and Hua Lien. This act intends to offer to those affected, the chance to "rekindle the hope of a life with less worries and fears." Furthermore, the Archbishop recalled that "the path of reconstruction is long and requires continuous action, faith, and prayer. Being a member of the Church in Taiwan, each of us has a duty to bring light and salt into the world, so that all can experience love and goodness." Thus, Bishop Hung launches a heartfelt appeal "that love may convert into concrete action," and asks that the faithful help the people affected by the typhoon with their fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/02/2010)