Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Macao (Agenzia Fides) - "Together for new paths to help the poor" is the theme of the International Conference dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Macao Caritas held in past days at the Macao Cultural Centre. It was also the most important event of the celebrations organized for the 60th anniversary. According to information gathered by Fides, the Conference was attended by some experts, priests, men and women religious and operators from Caritas who came from the Vatican, Canada, Pakistan, England, France, Bangladesh, Thailand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the same Macao. The Conference was an opportunity to exchange experiences on the fight against poverty, to analyze the situation of the world overwhelmed by the economic crisis that has caused a significant increase of the poor, and also to find new ways to eradicate poverty, that is the basis to build a better future for humanity. As part of the celebrations, Caritas Macao was opened to the public providing about thirty services (to the elderly, children, the disabled, women, the homeless, prisoners, needy families, the needy ....) allowing the people get to know it closely. During the charity evening for the 60th anniversary of the foundation, on January 29, Caritas Macao managed to raise funds for 220,000 yuan (about 30,000 euros) to be used for its activities in 2012.
The founder of Caritas Macao was Father Luis Ruiz Suarez, a Spanish Jesuit missionary who arrived in Macao in 1951 and died on July 26, 2011 at the age of 97 years. One year after the end of the war, he immediately worked to assist and help the crowd of immigrants who were in great difficulties, and founded the "Center of Social Service Matteo Ricci". In 1971 the structure became part of the diocese of Macao joining Caritas Internationalis, and became "Caritas Macao". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2012)
