On May 24, Pope Francis marked World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. I agree wholeheartedly with him that we must all pray for the persecuted Church in China.
That said, I am imploring the Holy Father to speak out more strongly against China’s many human rights abuses and its blatant disregard for democracy and freedom, not only within China, but especially in the formerly free city of Hong Kong.
Ever since the signing of the ill-advised deal with Red China, abuses on the underground Catholic Church – congregants as well as clergy – have intensified.
Pope Benedict XVI said that the first line of the Nicene Creed, “I believe in one God,” is very much a subversive statement, because it states clearly and unequivocally the primacy of God above all else.
This is perhaps the reason the Chinese Communist Party and its operators consider the Roman Catholic Church their mortal enemy. This is why Mao Tse-Tung, who was responsible for the death of 70 million people was both fascinated and repelled by the Catholic Church and did his utmost to destroy the Church in China, from the founding of the country to the present day.
Today in Hong Kong democracy activist, publisher, and devout Catholic Jimmy Lai continues to languish in jail over trumped-up charges, along with a large number of democracy advocates.
Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 91-year-old retired Hong Kong Archbishop, continues to be a target of Hong Kong’s puppet government. Apparently, the Chinese Communists feel so insecure about their hold on Hong Kong that they cannot even tolerate the moral authority of an old cleric.
Even political cartoons or wearing the wrong colour T-shirt can be deemed threats to national security, while in Hong Kong’s Central Library, books contrary to China and Chinese rules have been removed.
In Canada, we are now learning of overseas Chinese police stations, intimidation of overseas Chinese from deviating from the party line, interference in our electoral system, as well as attempts at influencing public opinion on China.
Yes, we must pray for the persecuted Church in China, but we also must pray for and do our utmost to safeguard our own freedom and democracy against any form of dictatorship, foreign or otherwise.
Patrick May
Vancouver
In early June we celebrated B.C. Seniors Week, and I would like to send our seniors an important message: You are seen, you are heard, and you are loved. You may feel that few people think about you or you may feel invisible in today’s modern world. But know that you are IMPORTANT, you are ADMIRED, and you are LOVED! Your efforts, hard work, and sacrifices have given the next generations countless benefits and legacies.
I have many fond memories of accompanying my mother on visits to elderly relatives, neighbours, and friends who also immigrated to Canada from her little village in Italy. I loved listening to them speak Italian and looking at their Italian decorations and items.
I continued to enjoy those visits well into my adult years. I learned so much from them – what life was like in their village and lessons learned here. I also learned from my mother’s tender ways with them that every life has value and dignity.
Seniors, remember that you are often in someone’s thoughts and memories. To the rest of society, let’s take time to show our seniors the respect and care they deserve. Acknowledge them, speak to them, pray for them, and listen to their stories.
Lina Lezama
Port Coquitlam
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