Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Fides Service) - According to Caritas Macao with regard to the training of pastoral workers to help gamblers quit, Caritas Hong Kong has more experience, “because it started this ministry before we did” said Caritas Macao director Pan Zhi Ming. The sister Caritas offices work together in this field. Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao reports that this year Caritas offices in both territories have organised courses of formation for pastoral workers to help hardened betters give up gambling. The two month course, April-May has about 20 participants including priests, religious and lay people. Subjects studied included family psychology, and methods to re-insert former gamblers into society. Part of the course is dedicated to experience sharing.
For some time now in response to calls for help from families, Caritas Hong Kong and Caritas Macao have focused on pastoral care for gamblers. Hong Kong has already organised two successful formation courses. Recently the structure of the preparation of the operators was improved by separating the basic course from the higher course. Caritas also provides financial assistance for the families. Caritas Macao director said “gambling is not yet a social problem but every year more people fall into the trap and ask for help; we deal with at least 40 cases a year.” Statistics say that in 2003 gambling profits in Macao were around 29.5 billion dollars, with 10 billion paid in direct tax. (Agenzia Fides 09/05/2006 Righe: 29 Parole: 316)
