RELIGION
299
Bishop Bianchi to act as a link between Hong Kong and inter- national charity agencies in Germany, the United States, Britain, Scandinavia and other countries which have given generously. The Vatican, taking part in the World Refugee Year, donated a sum of US$50,000 for the relief of Chinese refugees in Hong Kong.
During 1961, the Roman Catholic Church launched a number of new welfare projects including a 300-bed hospital for the poor at So Uk Tsuen which provides 200 general beds, an out-patient department and a tuberculosis wing. Another new project, a cancer hostel, the OXFAM Convalescent Home, provides residence for poor cancer patients undergoing radio-therapy treatment. Caritas House, a 4-storey welfare centre providing medical, rehabilitation and educational facilities and free meals, was also opened in 1961 in the fast-growing fishing town of Aberdeen. Construction also began on another multi-purpose centre in the industrial town of Tsuen Wan which will include a hostel for young workers. The Little Sisters of the Poor completed a new Home for the Aged, with places for 380, at Aberdeen. The Maryknoll Sisters opened Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital with 61 beds and a large out- patients department at Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon.
=
Sharing actively in the Church's welfare work are voluntary associations such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Chinese Catholic Club, the Catholic Women's League, the Guilds of Catholic Doctors and Nurses, the Apostolate of the Sea, the Young Christian Workers, and other divisions of the Diocesan Council for the Lay Apostolate.
The welfare institutions of the Roman Catholic Church in Hong Kong today include 5 hospitals and 30 free clinics and dispensaries and many child care centres, orphanages, creches and other institu- tions for those in need of special care. 18 food conversion centres, and 34 Caritas parish units providing relief services and youth activities are also operated.
The Catholic Centre, as the diocesan central organization for religious, cultural and social activities, is available for information on all Catholic activities in Hong Kong.
There has been a notable revival of Buddhism in Hong Kong in recent years, mainly due to the immigration of Buddhists from China, among them some famous and respected monks. It main- tains a strong hold amongst the older Chinese and is far from