HONG KONG (SE/KKP): The Lenten Campaign Organising Committee had an online presentation on February 12. Under the theme, “Behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17), the campaign invites the faithful and students to join to help the needy.
During Lent, from March 2 to April 9, students and parents are invited to join the Lenten Charitable School Award programme, which includes contests in drawing, colouring, activity design and photography. The events are designed to help children and young people learn more about the Lenten spirit.
Students from Catholic schools and Sunday schools are encouraged to save money in their Paschal Lamb money boxes and bring these to schools or parishes for donation on Passion Sunday, which falls on April 10 this year.
The online presentation started with a talk by Father James Boey, who explained the meaning of Lent, a period of 40 days in preparation for the Passion of Christ through fasting and praying.
Deacon Peter Wong King-sing, chairperson of the committee, encouraged the faithful to practise charity and respond to the Lenten Campaign with prayers, reflections, self-sacrifices and donations.
“Lent is a good opportunity to serve the less fortunate so that they can feel that God is love. There is no season for charity, and we should care for those in need every day,” Deacon Wong said.
He said that although Lenten donations over the past two years have been affected by the pandemic and the economic situation, the Church has provided more services. It therefore needs the full support of the faithful.
Although churches are temporarily closed because of the pandemic, the committee has set up a new e-donation method to address the problem. In past years, parishes and Church communities have extended their helping hands to the poor, the homeless and others in need with funds from the campaign.
Deacon Wong cited the example Caritas working with Ss. Cosmas and Damian Church in Tsuen Wan, to donate Lunar New Year cakes and other festive foods to low-income families this year. However, he said these services have to be followed up by developing a long-term relationship with the families.
The Chain of Charity Movement is another organisation supported by the donations of the Lenten Campaign. General secretary, Au Wai-man, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who journeyed with the needy over the past 20 years; many of them are from different parishes. He said that the volunteers perform services and give love to build up a spirit of love in society.
Au said that although the pandemic has made it necessary for the group to suspend some services, emergency services are offered, such as bringing patients to clinics for hemodialysis.
