Hong Kong campaign for prisoners a hit with Pope’s support

October 21, 2013 - Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong , has thanked Pope Francis for his generous support to the campaign to donate 10,500 moon cakes to all the prisoners on the occasion of the Moon Festival, celebrated on September 19 throughout China. The festival represents the unity of the Chinese family and was celebrated on September 19. In a statement posted on October 13 in the diocesan weekly Kung Kao Po, Card. Zen wrote that he had asked Pope Francis to donate €2 for the purchase of the sweet and he instead sent €500. The Holy Father also sent a letter saying, "Dear Faithful, I gladly join 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." Encouraged by the Holy Father’s gesture they collected €23,884, Card. Zen said. They spent €18,000. Due to the success of the campaign the faithful of Hong Kong will donate the advanced €4,700 to support of the Pope's charity. In mid-September, for the fourth consecutive year, 10,500 moon cakes were sent to all prisons and detention centers in Hong Kong. Early September, the cardinal sent the Holy Father a box of mooncake, to share the joy of the Moon Festival (Source: AsiaNews)