Christians aiding lepers in China

According to the latest statistics of the Catholic Church on mainland China, reported by the Faith Institute for Cultural Studies (FICS), as of December 8, 2009 about 80 nuns are hard at work in the twenty governmental structures that house lepers. There are also Catholic structures that accommodate lepers or offer medical and social assistance to those who are suffering from a disease that requires much more than just a technical and scientific competence.

In this context, the role of the Catholic community, especially the religious sisters, is almost indispensable, and is also recognized, confirmed, and valued by the authorities and society. They have now been defined as the "guardian angels" of lepers in China.

From the Provinces of Yun Nan of Si Chuan, Shan Xi, and Guang Dong ... Christians have begun several homes for lepers. They are concerned not only for the physical care of the patients, but also - and most especially - for their spiritual care, restoring their dignity and courage to live, to reintegrate into society, to once again to embrace their families. People with leprosy in fact are often rejected by all, by society in general as well as by their family, but they are welcomed by Catholics, such as the "Volunteers of Matteo Ricci", along with the help of Catholics living abroad, such as the South Koreans, the Italians (AIFO).

In view of the day devoted to leprosy (also known as Hansen's disease) patients (January 31), the "Volunteers of Matteo Ricci" from Jinde Charities have stepped up efforts in the Catholic and non-Catholic Centers, promoting awareness and understanding towards them. A parish community of the Diocese of Shan Tou is organizing a march to support the lepers, as well as offering practical assistance, as it is located in the vicinity of a governmental center for lepers. Faithful of the parish of Yang Zhou of the Province of Shan Dong periodically visit lepers. According to the pastor, "it is not just a charitable gesture, but an act of faith because it helps to understand how important it is to rely completely on the Lord, offering ourselves, even our disease." The nuns of the Congregation of the Presentation of Our Lady of Shan Hai have renewed their own mission to the lepers.