Dialogue and charity for a new society: Card. Sarah
Hong Kong, 11 June 2013: Tireless work to "contribute to the formation and development
of man": is what is carried out by Caritas Hong Kong, one of the largest diocesan
Caritas in the world, with over 10 thousand volunteers and projects in India, Japan,
Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, China. This is what Cardinal Robert Sarah, President
of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum stressed in an interview with Fides Agency, who
traveled in the past weeks in Hong Kong on the occasion of the 60th anniversary
of the founding of Caritas. The Cardinal expressed the loving concern of Pope
Francis, saying that the Pope "thinks much about Asia, in particular about China.
The support he offers is a sign that the Church has at heart everyone’s well-being,
regardless of their religious or political affiliation."
During the interview
with Fides, the Cardinal said: I am very happy to have participated in such a memorable
event of Caritas Hong Kong on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary. There was a great
level of participation, with about 700 representatives of different Caritas institutions.
India, Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, China and others were present. I could
see with my own eyes the great work that is carried out by Caritas in these territories
every day, in not always favorable contexts. I was very pleased to see that Caritas
as well as looking at the present, looks at the future, on how to collaborate in building
a relational society. A nice atmosphere of dialogue around the charitable actions
in these territories was created in these days. The theme itself on which I spoke
during the conference: "In the face of a new era – Facing relational poverty," further
emphasizes the attention Caritas has towards the real needs of the territory, and
therefore how to deal with them, in a context of cooperation with all institutions
present.
When asked about his idea of Caritas Hong Kong, he said: I was very
impressed by the great organization of Caritas, which has grown a lot in recent years.
It is enough to think that it currently has more than 5,500 full-time employees, and
other 300 units of service and ongoing support. Also more than 10,000 volunteers collaborate
with Caritas Hong Kong. These numbers are a clear demonstration of the great commitment
of Caritas in everyday life. Caritas Hong Kong is considered one of the world's largest
diocesan Caritas. Contributing to the formation and development of man, is the noble
ambition of Caritas Hong Kong. All this suggests the importance of commitment that
charity can have in any society. When asked whether he had the opportunity to make
contact with the Church in China, he said: You know that the attention of the Holy
See is to be seen at a Universal level, certainly with greater regard towards those
territories that live major difficulties. Recently in China there was unfortunately
a terrible earthquake in the Province of Sichuan. The Holy Father wanted to show his
special closeness to those who suffer with an extraordinary gift of $ 30,000. Every
gift is not to be seen as a simple material support, but as a caring and loving sign,
towards people who manifest their urgent need for closeness. In conclusion, I can
testify that the Holy Father thinks about Asia, in particular about China.Source:
Fides