Pope contributes towards solidarity for Kong Kong prisoners

September 16, 2013 - More than 10,000 moon cakes are ready to be dispatched to all prison inmates in Hong Kong, thanks to donations from Pope Francis and Catholic faithful in the diocese, as the fundraised target of this charitable event has been met. This is the fourth consecutive year that Cardinal Joseph Zen, retired bishop of Hong Kong, has urged local Catholics to donate money to buy 10,500 moon cakes for all prison inmates in order that they can share some joy during the Mid-autumn festival, a traditional Chinese family celebration that falls on Sept 19 this year. Moon cakes symbolize family reunion and thankfulness to the harvest moon in autumn. In response to Cardinal Zen's appeal, Pope Francis made a donation, along with a card dated August 7, 2013. "Pope Francis cares for prisoners and responded to my request," the 81-year-old Chinese cardinal told AsiaNews. In his card, Pope Francis wrote in Italian, "Dear Faithful: Gladly I join with you to donate moon cakes to our brothers and sisters in the prisons of Hong Kong. Jesus will recognize us at the door of Heaven. Happy Moon Festival! I cordially bless you, PP Francis".
Cardinal Zen translated the Pope's words into Chinese, and made into a card together with a photo they both took in June 2013 at House of Santa Marta in the Vatican. Copies of this card (pictured) were sent to contributors for this collection. In early September, Cardinal Zen said, "I sent the Holy Father a box of moon cakes and share this festive joy with him." Moon cakes are usually filled with lotus seed paste and two salted egg-yolks. Church groups and civic organizations have also collected moon cakes and distribute them to the elderly who live alone and to the lower income families. This will share the festive joy to all and families. (Source: AsiaNews)