ASIA/CHINA - Faith and prayer to overcome the difficulties in volunteer service

Shang Hai (Agenzia Fides) - Prayer is the best way to overcome the difficulties arising from carrying out voluntary service: This was the main theme of the first Course of formation of the year 2012 for volunteers, organized by the Center for Social Service of Guang Qi, in the diocese of Shang Hai, which took place in recent days. According to information gathered by Fides, different groups of the Center for Social Service shared experiences and observations on the work carried out in the past year, along with the women religious and priest, planning a better service for the new year. They also shared the difficulties they encounter in their efforts of being volunteers, choosing the motto "Never complain", especially in a world like today where there are common complaints, reproaches and resentment: "Faith and prayer are our best way to overcome this", they stressed.
The Center for Social Service of Guang Qi was born in May 2005 by the will of Mgr. Jin Lu Xian, the diocesan Bishop. Named Paul Xu Guang Qi - founder of the diocese of Shang Hai - and as a special protector his niece, Candita Xu, a devoted believer who had great devotion for the service to the Church and neighbour. The purpose of the Centre is to spread the spirit of Paul Xu Guang Qi, to serve society and to transmit the Love of God. The main commitments of the volunteers are divided into 4 areas: to provide scholarships to students who come from disadvantaged families; the elderly; migrant workers, health care. Moreover, it also takes care of the emergencies as a result of natural disasters and some specific cases. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2012)