Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – The mainland Chinese Catholic community continues to intensely live out its charity work in view of the upcoming Chinese New Year, the traditional celebration of the Chinese people, that occurs this year on 3 February.
According to information received by Fides, in addition to orphanages, hospitals, homes for the elderly and to poor families, the group of lay people from the Cathedral of the Diocese of Wen Zhou, Zhe Jiang province, also visited the sisters of St Therese of the Child Jesus. According to them, “the sisters are always active in local pastoral care and mission, despite their economic and personal difficulties. They have always looked after others. Now it is up to us to express our gratitude and also offer our help.” On the same day, 22 January, the group also visited the Home of St Joseph which welcomes the elderly, not just Catholics.
The priests and faithful of the parish of the Good Shepherd of Qing Shan in the Diocese of Bao Tou, Inner Mongolia, have brought the Sacraments and material aid to poor families, the sick and the elderly as the Chinese New Year approaches, also offering a small scholarship for university students in needy circumstances. In this area there are many non-Catholics, and the parish priest Fr Wang Jin Wen, in this regard says: “We bring the love of God to all, without distinction. The charitable work has the same importance as prayer and both are fundamental to our faith, so that everyone can recognize us by our witness.”
Chinese New Year is the most important and popular festival for the Chinese people. Every year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and corresponds with the arrival of spring. The celebrations for agricultural workers last a whole month. Each year corresponds to an animal, according to a cycle of 12 years, each with its own specific meaning. This year is the year of the rabbit and by custom people consider it a good year, because it is a beloved animal in the Chinese tradition - graceful, fine, talented and ambitious, and also quiet, reserved, lucky. So the people expect a financially successful and prosperous year. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/01/2011)
