Wenzhou, churches open to shelter those fleeing typhoons
Wenzhou
(AsiaNews) - The Catholics of the Diocese of Wenzhou, in eastern China, have
distinguished themselves for their help to migrant workers and people living in
coastal areas below sea level hit in recent days by several typhoons. On
6 October, two churches in the city of Wenzhou opened their doors to provide
shelter to hundreds of people in distress : these were fleeing the typhoon
Fitow , which hit Zhejiang and other coastal provinces of China.
The
storm hit the city of Fuding, Fujian Province on October 7, bringing heavy
rains and collapse of the power system. According
to the State Flood Control Office, over 4 million people in Zhejiang and Fujian
have been affected by bad weather. At
the request of the local government, therefore, the Catholic churches welcomed
immigrants and residents in evacuation zones .
The
parishioners immediately prepared to receive those in difficulty. Crowds
of migrant workers, mostly from the countryside and now in cities, moved into
two churches. At
midnight on October 6, one church had over 400 guests , while the other 100: conference
rooms , study - rooms , the hall and passages were crammed. Migrants were
offered food, drinks and blankets.
The
parishioners have taken advantage of the situation to project video on the life
of Jesus and the activities of the Church, and to share the gospel with the
refugees. The
next morning , after the storm , the guests began to leave the church . Leaving,
some said : " What a beautiful place, very peaceful ! It was a great
experience." A
family of migrants told a parishioner : "When we are forced to take refuge
in other places, no one takes care of us , you Catholics are different . We
have been treated really well ."
During
the typhoon season , the churches in the affected areas are often involved in
the operations of first aid for the victims and those affected by bad weather. According
to some Catholics , "so that people can learn more about the charitable activities
of the Church and better understand the community of the faithful ."
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24/09/2008
