Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – As of March 6, the Chinese Catholic community, under the leadership of Jinde Charities, the Chinese Catholic charitable organization, collected 852,036 Yuan (or 92,000 Euros) for the Haitian population struck by an earthquake in January 12. According to Jinde Charities' Director, it was “thanks to the articles published by Fides that the faithful of China were able to be constantly abreast of the dramatic situation of the people of Haiti, especially the situation in the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, the priests, the seminarians, the condition of the devastated people...The Chinese were deeply moved, reliving May 12, 2008, the day of that terrible earthquake in Wen Chuan. And yet, in that moment the Chinese Catholics experienced the solidarity, warmth, and generosity of the Universal Church, beginning with Pope Benedict XVI. Now it is our turn to contribute and to give a witness of solidarity to our Haitian brethren. We have received so much, and now it is out turn to give something.” So, the Chinese Catholics began raising funds for their Haitian brothers and sisters. In very little time, they were able to raise 852,036 Yuan, of which 476,000 Yuan were for social aid and nearly 400,000 Yuan for the reconstruction of local Churches. Through the coordination of Jinde Charities, the Chinese Catholic community entered into direct collaboration with international Catholic entities like Caritas, with whom they have collaborated in the past. This is also the fifth time that Jinde Charities has coordinated an international solidarity project. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 17/03/2010)
