Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "Serving the poor at Christmas is a gesture that further reflects the spirit of love, commitment and solidarity of Jesus": thus, His Exc. Mgr. John Tong Hon, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, encouraged the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, during the party organized on the occasion of Christmas in the House of Charity. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), in his homily, Mgr.Tong praised "the great spirit of unconditional service to the poor" of the Missionaries of Charity, hoping for "a further commitment in the footsteps of their founder, always with a heart full of gratitude and joy".
Each year the Missionaries of Mother Teresa organize three Christmas parties for the elderly, new immigrants, the disadvantaged and the marginalized by society, to bring them a sign of Jesus’ Love, charity and solidarity. This year the "parties " took place on 3, 5 and 6 December, with the help of non-Christians. The main supporter of the party held on December 5 was in fact a non-believer, who said: "I was motivated by the generosity of the Sisters. When I heard that they had no government funding nor the diocese for this Christmas party, I stepped forward". There are also young volunteers: one of them is only 14 years old and regularly helps children who are guests at the House of Charity with their homework.
The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta in India in 1950, arrived in Hong Kong in 1983. They mainly deal with the sick, the infirm, the homeless and those who are abandoned by society. Recently they also started to take care of children, giving them education and integral formation. Every day they provide between 30 to 90 hot meals to the poor and homeless. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2011)
