ASIA/HONG KONG - Mgr.Tong calls to support Caritas: "any small donation is a seed of hope that many benefit from"

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "Give them hope," applying the spirit of the multiplication of the loaves and fish (Matthew 14.13-21): this is the invitation that His Exc. Mgr. John Tong, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, addressed to his faithful in his Letter for the annual fundraising for the activities of Caritas. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), in the Letter, which bears the date of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, the Bishop calls again to give "a common witness". Although the collection is repeated annually, "any small donation is a seed of hope that so many people benefit from", highlights Mgr. Tong, stressing that "any small donation, with the guidance of the Lord, can turn into a miraculous power". The Bishop of Hong Kong does not ignore the global crisis that people are living and therefore invites to face it with a spirit of love and solidarity, without losing hope: "we will have to face many challenges in the future. 'Love' and 'hope' are the two most important elements in building a harmonious society. Through the work of Caritas staff we can give attention to young members of society, and to get to know other people’s needs". The Bishop concludes urging to have a compassionate heart, and through the works of charity, to walk together with Caritas Hong Kong, "applying the spirit of the multiplication of the loaves and fish, because 'God loves a cheerful giver' (2 Cor 9 , 7)". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 08/09/2011)