ASIA/CHINA - Chinese Catholic communities creatively prepare for the "World Day of the Poor"

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 local churches world day of the poor poverty caritas

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CHINA

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Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Recognizing and accompanying those in difficulty with faith; experiencing charitable works as signs of hope; giving oneself to increase the Church's compassionate embrace of those in need. These were some of the points in the annual appeal issued by the Catholic Diocese of Taiyuan for the Ninth World Day of the Poor, scheduled for Sunday, November 16.
For the ninth consecutive year, the Diocese of Taiyuan, like many other Catholic communities in mainland China, is preparing to observe this special day dedicated to the poor, instituted by Pope Francis in communion with the universal Church.

The ninth pastoral letter from the Diocese of Taiyuan dedicated to World Day of the Poor takes up the theme of Pope Leo XIV's message for the World Day of the Poor: “You, my Lord, are my hope” (Psalm 71:5). The letter affirms that the poor and vulnerable, who are favored by the Lord, are “at the heart of the Church.” “The poor,” the text states, “are not only recipients of aid, but also witnesses who help us recognize the truth of the Gospel.”
In recent years, in addition to pastoral letters for the World Day of the Poor, Bishop Paul Meng Ningwei has repeatedly launched initiatives to demonstrate that “Charity is the soul of evangelization” and that “without charity, not only are faith and hope lost, but also the trust of our neighbors.” At communal meals with the poor, the Bishop imparted his blessing, while diocesan priests became cooks, preparing dishes that were also offered as takeaway meals during the pandemic.
From October 26 to November 2, parishes in Hangzhou conducted a collection of used clothing among their parishioners, gathering a total of 20 large packages (approximately 1.5 tons) of disinfected clothing, which can now be delivered to the Aurora Rehabilitation Center for distribution.
The youth group of Wenzhou Cathedral made more than 50 visits to families in need and collected a total of 75,000 yuan (approximately €10,000) in material aid for them from 2021 to 2025. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 11/11/2025)