Cardinal Shan’s 'last Christmas gift' to the children of Taiwan
Taipei (AsiaNews) – Card Paul Shan Kuo-hsi (pictured), bishop emeritus of Kaohsiung, released a “children’s version” of his autobiography on Monday; in it he shares with all the children his story of perseverance in fighting cancer and his love for life.
Titled “Seeds sown by those who love: a story of Shan Kuo-hsi,” the new book was launched in Kaohsiung, and is dedicated to all the children as the cardinal’s “last Christmas gift.” Funds raised by book sales will be donated to the education fund for the orphans and underprivileged children living in the mountainous region of southern Taiwan.
“It is Cardinal Shan’s wish to build an orphanage in future inside the Catholics’ Mount Beatitude complex in Kaohsiung, which is under construction, for the education and care of the orphans of the indigenous people in Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties,” said Leo Hsiao, Cardinal Shan’s secretary.
“Cardinal Shan’s health is fine. He regards everyday as his last day and is working hard in spreading the Good News and the joy of life,” Hsiao added.
Thirty thousand copies of the book have been printed and will be distributed in Taiwan before Christmas. Each will cost NT$ 180 (US$ 5.50).
The cardinal “hopes the book can be a Christmas gift to all children and people, sharing his joy and zeal for life,” Hsiao said.
The book is easier and simpler in terms of language, and includes some illustrations and pictures. It is based on Cardinal Shan’s original autobiography. It includes some articles the prelate selected and the transcription of a message he issued verbally, said the Chou Ta-kuan Foundation in a press release. The Taipei-based foundation, which is the book’s sponsor, had previously honoured the prelate for his love of life with an award.
The book has ten chapters in which Cardinal Shan talks about his education and describes his life as a boy, as a priest and eventually as Taiwan’s first cardinal.
In a letter, reprinted in the book, that he addressed to all children, the cardinal said, “In the garden, every person is unique. Every person is valuable. Every person has a garden of life.”
“If there were no Jesus, Buddha, etc, who sow the seeds of goodness, peace and love,” there would be “no harmony and peace in the garden of life”.
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03/09/2012
