Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nan Chong (Agenzia Fides) – About 125,000 people submerged by water, several churches immersed in 3.5 - 4.5 metres water, 3,000 Catholics affected: this is the dramatic situation in Nan Chong diocese, district of Qu Xian, in Si Chuang province. The floods caused by three days of torrential rains, 18 to 20 July, devastated a whole community but also rallied the Catholic diocese of Nan Chong to join in rescue and aid operations for all the victims, Catholics and non.
According information sent to Fides, diocesan rescue teams reached the affected area on 21 July, as soon as the roads were open. They had previously been in telephone contact with basic ecclesial communities to warn of the danger of floods forecasted by meteorologists. The rescue teams helped homeless families leave the stricken area. In the worst hit zone diocesan rescue workers accompanied the parish priest to visit affected families, distribute basic necessities and take note of further needs. They comforted and reassured a group of Catholics found inside their mud filled church with the walls and altar destroyed by the water, and promised help to rebuild the church as soon as possible.
Qu Xian district has a glorious missionary history: as the area with the highest number of Catholics it is referred to as the district of “10 thousand Catholics”. The area was evangelised by the well known French Missionary Mattheu Liu. He was loved and venerated for his holiness and miracles. also by non Catholics and many became Catholics after receiving graces through his intercession. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/07/2010 - righe 26; parole 306)
