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INDIAN CATHOLIC
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Chinese migrants revel in religious freedom
Published : November 25 2009
Catholic Chinese migrant workers listening to a talk during a catechism class at the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
Wang, 37, and Chen, 34, both construction workers from Hebei, say they were unable to discuss religion as openly at home as in Singapore.
"We may be Catholic, but our knowledge about God is limited back home in China," Chen told UCA News.
Pastoral care for migrant workers has become a focus of the local Church as the number of Chinese working in Singapore has increased.
Francis Teo, a lay volunteer, says the number of Catholic Chinese migrant workers in the Bible-study group he hosts at his home has doubled since February, to 16.
Teo, 54, a consultant, hopes that the faith formation and catechism classes the Church also provides will strengthen migrants' knowledge and faith so they can return home and evangelize.
More than 30 migrant workers attend the two-hour evening faith formation class held the third Sunday of every month at the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. These classes began in October.
Additionally, an evening Mandarin-language Mass is held at the church on the first Sunday of every month.
Peter Lim, 70, a retiree who works closely with Teo, said Sunday evenings are the only time the migrant workers -- mostly construction workers -- have free from work.
One worker, Zhang, 35, is preparing to return home to Hebei in early December. He said he was grateful for the Masses and faith formation classes.
"When I called my wife back home, I told her that the Catholics I've encountered here are very passionate and helpful. They know so much more about the Bible and the liturgy," he recounted.
"I've learned a lot of things here, and it renewed my understanding of God."
Courtesy : UCAN
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