Rome, Italy, Jun 6, 2008 / 12:02 pm
Catholics in China continue to reach out to those suffering from the recent earthquake in May, while survivors continue to show great faith in the midst of their sufferings.
According to the Fides news agency, the Diocese of Beijing has raised some $78,000 which was donated to the Red Cross in China. Bishop Giuseppe Li Shan made his own donation of $314. Special collections will continue to be taken up for earthquake victims.
A local resident in one of the affected areas told Fides, “When the first tremor ended, I ran to the closest church to pray. But I stayed outside, because the building was already seriously damaged. Now we celebrate Mass outside.”
On local priest said people were grateful for the solidarity of Pope Benedict XVI and Caritas offices around the world. “We have had the chance to reflect upon the fragility of man’s life. We should examine our consciences more often and always be ready to face life and death,” he said.