Hong Kong (Fides Service) - According to the Kong Ko Bao bulletin of Hong Kong diocese Caritas Hong Kong says Pope John Paul II’s Lenten call for more concern for the aged is an encouragement for its activity. In his message for Lent this year the Pope stressed the need to “to reflect during this Lent, in order to deepen the awareness of the role that the elderly are called to play in society and in the Church”, and he adds “reaching old age is a sign of the Most High's gracious benevolence. Longevity appears, therefore, as a special divine gift.”.
Caritas Hong Kong. Which has assisted the elderly for years, has reaffirmed its commitment in this field comforted by the Pope’s Message for Lent. Caritas strives to harmonise Chinese culture which teaches respect for the aged and the teaching of the Church which emphasises the role of old people in the Church and in society. To help the elderly Caritas organises courses of painting and computer studies and also encourages the elderly to offer their services as volunteers to care for children or the disabled.
Caritas Hong Kong is putting into practice the teaching of the Pope aware that the Church has a duty to help the elderly to be a help to society rather than a burden. (Agenzia Fides 24/02/2005 Righe: 15 Parole: 148)