Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “Everyone should place an emphasis on savings and solidarity: the traditional virtues that are highly considered by both the Chinese culture and Christianity, especially during this time of the global crisis. Granting a small loan to the needy from the Catholic Credit Union is not merely an aid, perhaps for earning interest, but a mutual service, in a sign of solidarity.” According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), Fr. Stephen Chan, OFM, pastor of the Parish of St. Bonaventure, has thus exhorted his parishioners in this world crisis. He also mentioned that in this situation “large sums are not in circulation. But, the people who have chosen to turn to the Catholic Credit Union are committed to paying back the loans in a determined amount of time. Thus, it is also a test and an exercise in honesty and credibility. The relationship among our clients is very human.”
In the Diocese of Hong Kong, there are 12 Catholic Credit Unions, associates of the Credit Union League of Hong Kong, which was founded in 1964 by Jesuit Father Collins (1912-1997). The first was the Saint Francis Credit Union, which was later imitated by many other parishes. The initiative was also accepted among non-Catholics, as well. Over the course of the years, the people have questioned the value of this small-loan initiative that offers this kind of solidarity and savings that is no longer typical in the present financial context. And yet, now they are seeing that the solidarity and savings, based on the Christian spirit and traditional Chinese culture, are still pertinent in today's culture, especially in times of crisis. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2009)
