Hong Kong (Fides Service) - The Catholic Chinese weekly Kung Kao Po published by the diocese of Hong Kong available on the web (www.kkp.hkcatholic.org) now provides an audio version for the visually impaired.
The audio version in Cantonese is proving popular. The idea came last year during the SARS epidemic when people in Hong Kong were afraid to go out of the house or frequent crowded places and the number of Internet users grew rapidly.
The audio version of the news includes articles, editorials, comments and theological reflection. The service has not increased routine expenses since the paper only uploads the soundtrack onto the website after volunteers have finished recording. Volunteers say the recording experience often done in the evening after work hours is tiring but very rewarding. Not only does it deepen their faith, it increases their knowledge of the Church by making them reading articles which they might otherwise overlook.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2004 lines 22 words 219)