ASIA/TAIWAN - ‘Flames of life’ lit in 48 Catholic schools to have at heart the Church, society and neighbour

Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) - “Lighting the flame of life together” was the theme of a campaign launched by Fu Ren Catholic University at the end of 2006 in Taiwan’s 48 Catholic schools and other institutes of education. According to the Tai Pei diocesan publication Christian Life Weekly, the campaign had four stages: light a light together; week of Catholic school; collect offerings; send charity solidarity ticket. The aim was to encourage Catholic school pupils in their faith and in their charity towards others, to promote conversion of heart, teaching of humanistic culture and solidarity, continual transmission love, spreading hope to every life. School pupils said they experienced spiritual growth in love for others and learned to have at heart the Church, society and neighbour.
The initiative was supported by the local Catholic Church. Bishop Joseph Cheng, president of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference and the Archbishop of Tai Pei, presided the light ceremony during which candles were lit by 48 children representing Catholic schools in Taiwan to be a symbol of the light of Christ for the weak and the excluded, to encourage hope and love for life. Fu Ren University in collaboration with girls’ schools designed and distributed tickets for a charity raffle in aid of poor women and children.
The 48 Catholic institutes in Taiwan include 3 universities, 35 middle schools, 9 primary schools and a school for children of Chinese immigrants. Guided by the local Church these institutes have contributed to the development and progress of Taiwan.(NZ) (Agenzia Fides 17/01/2007 Righe: 30 Parole: 337)