ASIA/HONG KONG - Caritas Hong Kong opens a “lifeline” for helping to overcome the financial crisis, because we should always “love life and not isolate ourselves in the moments of difficulty.”

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Caritas Hong Kong has opened a “lifeline” for helping citizens, Catholic or non, to overcome the present financial crisis. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the diocesan bulletin in Chinese), after the cyclone that has hit American banks, many of Hong Kong’s citizens suffered great economic losses. Many have decided to take to the streets to call attention to the situation and ask for a direct intervention from authorities. Others have fallen into deep depression, some even to the point of suicide. In this critical social situation, Caritas Hong Kong is once again working on the frontline to help those in need, in whatever their necessities may be. In addition to the “lifeline,” Caritas also offers an ethical guide based on the Catholic Church’s social doctrine, which calls for progress and economy that is humane and moral. Considering profit as the only goal in life is a disgrace that has worsened the suffering of the weak and marginalized. Caritas also encourages all those who have suffered losses from this financial crisis to act rightly, because we should always “love life and not isolate ourselves in the moments of difficulty. With humility, you can accept help from others. And their families and fellow parishioners should be understanding with them,” accompanying them with their prayers and concrete acts of charity. In addition to the spiritual support, Caritas is also launching a campaign for financial counseling that will help citizens to make an appropriate personal or familial financial plan. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2008)