In these days
in Taiwan numerous initiatives are underway to live Christmas sharing with one
another. Yesterday, Sunday, Dec. 16 in Taichung a Santa Claus charity drive (耶诞 节 的 脚步 愈), was held for the first time in Taiwan with more than 2 thousand participants all dressed in red.
Even Rachel (张义林 小姐), a catechist, participated with enthusiasm along with her group of students: "Our priest had two masses and could not come, so he sent us to join this charity drive, which is really exciting for all young people". Her young people from 12 to 23 years also volunteer at a home for the elderly and at the Children's Hospital.
Another important Christmas initiative has been founded by a group of university economics students: Two charity dinners for homeless and those without a family in Taipei.
The proposal was born on the evening of December 7, when a group of 37 young people had organized an evening of sharing, followed by waking up at dawn to prepare for Christmas for the poor. Father Ladislas and Sister Teresa (蔡 慈 增修 女), both recently arrived in Taiwan, backed the idea launched by students of economics and business management from different universities in Taipei.
Charles (吴 轻 龙), a Catholic leader among these students, confirms that talking with friends during a meeting last month they decided to direct their efforts in preparation for Christmas in sharing with people in economic hardship.
"By studying administration and management we learn how to earn money, how to be competitive and efficient but often at the expense of others. But this does not agree with the message of Jesus, if there are winners and losers. We agree with being efficient and innovative but there is something wrong in a competitiveness that aims only to make profit at the expense of others. As a new generation we want to give a message that only by sharing can we make our society more livable".
During the evening of sharing and prayer until dawn, interrupted every hour by hymns and prayers, the proposal to have two opportunities to meet people homeless in Taipei offering a hearty meal was proposed.
Last night, Sunday, December 16, there first dinner was held with about 70 people, homeless or without families, contacted and invited by the students themselves.
Father Ladislas said that "we wanted to make a crib together, then we thought about it and decided that the real crib is to share with those in need, and the young people have been busy putting this idea into practice".
The funds for the two dinners (the second will be 21 December) are offered by a banking foundation that wishes to remain anonymous to avoid turning such events into advertising. "By working together and listening to the needs of those who really suffer, only then do we bear witness to our faith in Jesus and his love, and these people with us this evening ... are really hungry!" says the president of the foundation.
"This initiative - he added - is just the beginning of a journey that we want to make with the students of economics and their friends, to show that the resources we have are available to the people, not the other way around. If the financial system is aimed only at personal enrichment at the expense of others, you only create injustice and avarice. "
Sister Teresa is extremely happy with the testimony that is given on the occasion of Christmas: "and to think that this thing is coming from the students: they are young and fresh, they want to live the Gospel of Jesus as a witness of brotherhood and real sharing, not just as an intimately spiritual experience. And if there is good will, the resources are found. Catholics in Taiwan are very active in living Advent, and this is one more example that sows hope especially because the protagonists are the new generations. "
Finally, the most visible and competitive event of the weekend was undoubtedly the marathon in Taipei, with more than 120 thousand participants, won by Josphat Kamzee Jepkopol (Kenya) in 2 hours and 15 minutes and Caroline Cheptonui Kilel (Kenya). The marathon started at 7 am, with the participation of the Mayor of Taipei (郝龙斌) and many competitors, divided into 9, 21 or 42 km. There was also three kilometers for children, starting at 9:30 after the exciting arrival of the African favorites who, as usual, dominated the marathon itself. Father Cai (蔡明隆 神父) and his young friends and parishioners attended the big event.
At the end he said: "This year I ran nine kilometers. I thought to compete for the first place, but after 300 meters was beat ... But since the organizing banking foundation is very active in helping the weakest in Taiwan, we felt we had to contribute by taking part ... and with our sweat. Running together is another way to share Christmas. Now I am going to celebrate Mass at 10, and then ... go to sleep. Merry Christmas to you all ".