Report to the Donors of the Sichuan Catholic Churches Reconstruction Appeal (updated to Nov.2011)

Donation Information （updated to Aug.18.2010)

 

Draft Interim Report of the Sichuan Catholic Churches Reconstruction Appeal

 

The Sichuan Catholic Churches Reconstruction Fund Appeal

Immediately after the earthquake of 12 May 2008, Catholics in Sichuan, from elsewhere on the Mainland, from Hong Kong and abroad came to the fore in helping the victims and have since continued aiding their personal and social recovery.  Now we must also attend to the rebuilding of the shattered churches throughout the affected region.  The losses of church and ancillary buildings are colossal.  In the worst affected Diocese of Chengdu alone, 25 churches are reported to have been destroyed, 22 badly damaged and only 3 churches left intact.  Other dioceses that suffered include, also in Sichuan province, Leshan, Nanchong  and (in the severe aftershock of 30 Aug. 2008), Xichang.  Some 15 churches are said to have been damaged in the Diocese of Chongqing . In the neighbouring province of Shaanxi, at least two churches are reported to have been severely stricken.

 

Local Catholics have been doing what they can to help rebuild their churches and other Mainland dioceses have come to their aid. Public funds have also been provided for rebuilding. The resources available are nevertheless still inadequate to the needs. Hong Kong and the Universal Church abroad should contribute substantially, which we are now requesting. Needs identified total at least HK$30 million. The present economic crisis makes a bleak background for an appeal. However, the Bank of Heaven has not been subject to a bail out and deposits made in it are likely to yield higher returns than in its earthly counterparts.

 

A group of concerned Catholics in Hong Kong, under the leadership of Professor Audrey Donnithorne (who was born in the Sichuan earthquake zone), has set up the Sichuan Catholic Churches Reconstruction Fund. We will co-operate closely with the dioceses and parishes concerned.  The Diocese of Chengdu, for example, has produced standardised plans for churches of four different sizes which parishes will use in order to reduce costs.  Also, we will be sending up our own engineers and financial supervisors, and will work with those being sent there by others.  We will do everything possible to ensure and account for the proper use of funds entrusted to us.

Sichuan Earthquake The 2008 Sichuan earthquake or " Great Sichuan Earthquake ", which measured at 8.0 M s and 7.9 M w occurred at 14:28:01.42 CST (06:28:01.42 UTC on May 12, 2008 in Sichuan province of China. ……	The Church in Sichuan The 5 Dioceses in Sichuan are: Chengdu, Nanchong(Shunking),Yibin(Suifu), Leshan(Kiating),Xichang(Ningyuan). There are 3 bishops and the population of Catholic is 230,000. ……
Introduction to Chengdu Diocese Comimg soon, you may click here for Chinese intruduction……	Introduction to Nanchong Diocese Coming soon, you may click here for Chinese intruduction……