Diary  January - April  2007

Aril 29 to May 5  I'm due to be in HK for OMI annual retreat, leaving Zhaoqing late Sunday   29. 
See top of this page for HK and other contact phone numbers

next diary DV:  May 10

2007-04-26 Dear Friends 

Good morning from Zhaoqing where air is clean and fresh after lots of heavy rain the past week....and where everyone is getting ready for 
May Day week of holidays (May 1-7)....which may be changed in the future (& replaced by Ching Ming, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, Chung Yeung and Christmas)

Recent photo reports:

2007-04-20 Another donation of toys  (thank you Olivier & Company!) + word bingo at Assisi (with newly donated toys as prizes..)

2007-04-21 Angelo (HK) & Mario (Guangzhou), Miss Xiao (Zhaoqing Museum), HK Betty, Claire, Conor, Garth - Ricci & English!
Miss Xiao's book on Matteo Ricci (including all information at Ricci Exhibition) is now at the printer's in Macau

Also Saturday 4/21: Open Day for CAS primary school.....including a presentation of Snow White....who was revived, much to disappointment of student audience, not by a kiss, but by the Sign of the Cross!

2007-04-21 Photos from the past month or so taken by Hong Kong Betty

Calendar 

Recent donations (listed by dates as received):       God bless all donors!
4/22  Joe Chen, Zhaoqing - Y1,000
4/21 Olivier's factory, Shenzhen - another donation of toys (see photo link above)
4/21 Mario, Guangzhou - 50 Euros
4/19? Teresa, Macau - Y500

2007-04-12 Church too Euro-centric...and please, not more Latin - Japanese Cardinal

2007-04-17 Crazy or crageous?

2007-04-17 Emperor of Africa

2007-04-20 Death of China's senior bishop

2007-04-24 A world parliament ...maybe not such a crazy idea?

2007-04-26 Chinese among those killed & kidnapped in Africa - not sure if this story got much coverage in Western media

2007-04-26   Roll (sic) of Wolfowitz in Iraq

China Bible Quiz .....for a while I thought of giving this up...."no time to keep it going"..."only a few people taking part"...but then I thought...."well, at least there's a dozen or so doing it" and "maybe this is a problem of modern society....'no time' for Bible"....so....it continues DV.....hope a few more kind friends  will try Quiz No. 13  ..............................results of Quiz No. 12

Sincere sympathy to:
* HK Rosa and her sister Cecilia and brother John in loss of their dear father Joseph in Portugal during Holy Week 
* Former CAS teacher Josie in loss of her husband Reg who died April 7 on Gold Coast in Australia.
* Oblates of Irish Province in loss of former provincial and China supporter Fr Willie McGonagle omi who died in Ireland on April 7

May the Risen Lord give eternal life to the above three special friends who went home to Heaven at Easter time

During the coming week, when China OMI's are on retreat in HK, please join me in storming Heaven on behalf of many friends fighting cancer and other big sicknesses......especially A-Pui

God bless!

John W omi

2007-04-19 Dear Friends 

Good Morning from warm and sunny Zhaoqing where the last week included a violent thunderstorm on Tuesday night:

2007-04-14 Saturday night English Corner with Garth and his mother Lynne and Lynne's mother Lorna

2007-04-16 A happy day:   more toys;    outing for Marco Polo primary 1 and Ricci primary 2-6 students to Cross Road and KFC

2007-04-17 Visit to Mazenod Center, Ricci School and Marco Polo Center by Slawek omi (HK), Adam (Poland) and Bogdan (Poland)

2007-04-18 Visit to CAS and various centers in poor areas by Teresa & Thomas from Macau  and   Margaret & Margaret from Hong Kong

Calendar 

Recent donations (listed by dates as received):       God bless all donors!
3/2 "DB3", HK - $4,000
3/2 "DB3(a), HK - 2,000
3/25 Stephen, HK - $1,000
4/14 Anon, Zhaoqing - Y1,000 (for rent of Ricci Memorial Center in town)
4/16 More toys from Olivier's company in Shenzhen (see link above)
4/17 Slawek omi, HK - Y500
4/18 Thomas & Teresa, Macau - Y3,200
4/18 China Education Desk (per Caritas), HK -  Y13,765
On several days in past two weeks:  more  unwanted books/clothes/shoes from CAS

Doors keep opening here, with such precision timing that one can't help feeling that Someone upstairs has the master keys.
For one example (only one among many):  about a month ago when the International Ladies Club from Macau was planning their visit, they emailed to ask would it be ok for a medical team (two  doctors & two nurses from the Hope Medical group in Macau) to join them and run two half day clinics for the poor in Zhaoqing.....ok?....a great blessing!  - see photo report.
Before the two Macau groups left Zhaoqing, there was a meal....at which the dream was mentioned of a permanent mini-clinic....a "school clinic"...in a spare room at Marco Polo.
As a result of which the ILCM kindly had a meeting in the past week and decided to donated a further Y50,000 to help set up and pay for first few months of such a clinic.
The day after ILCM email re this new donation was received, another email came....from a Chinese doctor working at a prominent hospital in Zhaoqing...she happened to hear about our work, paid a visit to the Ricci Memorial Center in town (which has photos of all the centers) and she asked "is there anything I can do to help you look after the sick?
"Anything" is now being followed up as yet another Providential journey keeps going through ever more opening doors 

2007-04-12   Archbishop Buti Tlhagale omi of Johannesburg, together with other visitors from South Africa,  was  in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to express solidarity with the oppressed majority. They led a public ecumenical prayer service for peace

2007-04-16 Crisis turns to catastrophe in Chad

2007-04-17 Virginia shooting () from www.crikey.com.au:
Virginia state gun laws. Frequently asked questions:
Is a permit required to purchase rifles, handguns and shotguns? No.
Is registration required for rifles, handguns and shotguns? No.
Is licensing required for the owners of rifles, handguns and shotguns? No.
Do you need a permit to carry rifles and shotguns? No.
Is a permit required to carry a handgun? A permit is required only if the weapon is concealed.
Is there a one-handgun-per-month limit on gun sales? Yes
Are there limitations on assault weapons and magazines? No
May police limit the carrying of concealed handguns? No
Must child-safe locking devices be sold with guns? No
Are background checks required at gun shows? No
Are minors restricted from possessing guns? In part
Is a licence/permit required to buy handguns? No
Are all guns registered with law enforcement? No
Is safety training required for handgun buyers? No
Is it illegal for holders of concealed-weapon permits to carry guns into schools? Yes

2007-04-17 Virginia shooting (2) - spot on commentary

2007-04-18 Virginia shooting (3) - Jewish professor died to save students  (...he's the one who really "died like Jesus"!)

2007-04-19 How Tony Blair misled Britain re Iraq invasion

From www.registor.com (birth hospital of China8 and team):  dotCN - the domain extension for China - is now available to register. 
Normally US$40 for a one year registration, now just $9.99 for the first year

God bless everyone this Easter Season -  especially  people who are fighting cancer & other big illnesses!

John W omi

2007-04-12 Dear Friends 

Hello from Zhaoqing after a  busy and  happy Easter Week:

2007-04-06 Happy Birthday Mary;     HK Tung Chung visitors;       College volunteers.
Same day (Good Friday) & other times this week: some 24 class groups made English study of parts of "Ben Hur" & "The Passion"

Easter Sunday:  8am Cantonese BoB at Shang Ching Wan (preceeded by one hour of non-stop recon'n); 11am English Bob in Zhaoqing; 
2.30pm Cantonese Bob at Yunfu + Easter English class at Yunfu.  At 2.30: group of 10 blind people....very moving experience

2007-04-09 Visit to Centers  by Hong Kong teachers Brian & Jan + thank you HK Yew Chung Primary School & Abacus Kindergartenl

2007-04  Students and staff at HK Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College - collecting for the poor children in Zhaoqing

2007-04-10 HK A-Yau & friends at Assisi, Mazenod, CAS, Ricci School, Marco Polo and Bahkita

2007-04-12 Visit to CAS  by Mazenod Center teacher May and Marco Polo Center teacher Leanne

Recent donations:       God bless all donors!
Ah Shun, HK - $1,000
Anon, HK - Y1,000
Anon, HK - Y1,000
Anon, HK - Y1,000
Dorothy, HK - $1,000
Ho Family, HK - Y800
Students & Staff of Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, Tai O, Lantau Island, HK - $2,580
Students & Staff of Yew Chung Primary School, HK - $12,500
Tineke & Graham, Australia - AUD$100

Useful site for learning English: Enchanted Learning

God bless everyone this Easter -  especially  people who are fighting cancer & other big illnesses!

John W omi

Go Lions against Sydney this Sunday!

2007-04-05 Dear Friends 

Holy Thursday & Ching Ming Festival    good morning from Zhaoqing.  Ching Ming and Easter much in common.  I wish everyone a Happy Easter......careful not to make same mistake I made not long after arrival  in Hong Kong in 1985 ...when I wished local people a "Happy Ching Ming".... like wishing someone a happy funeral.  Unlike in Hong Kong,      Ching Ming, Good Friday, Holy Saturday & Easter Monday are working days here

The past week:

2007-03-29 In-service visit to CAS Primary  by Ricci School teachers Cherry & Grace + Garth a guest at CAS secondary Junior 3D class

2007-03-30   Visit by International Ladies Club of Macau  +  Macau Hope Medical Group doctors/nurses running clinic at Bahkita Center

2007-04-03  English classes at Gao Yao Overseas Chinese Experimental School (across river from Zhaoqing)

2007-04-05 Visit to CAS Primary School open class by Ricci School teachers Nicole & Mary.  Thank you again CAS!

Calendar 

Recent donations:       God bless all donors!
Number 14 Hong Kong Scout Group - $7,500
Students from Guangdong Financial Insurance College - Y500
Peter Ruston, Macau - Y50,000  (given to HK Rosa C to start a medical fund here for poor people)
Rosemary Bowrie, Macau ) Y600
Dr Ellen, Macau - Y200 (given to HK Rosa C to help a poor lady have hospital tests)
Loretta, Macau - Y4,000 (to support Assisi Center for 4 months)
Trustees of P.S. Henman Charitable Fund (per David Clarke), UK - 5,000 UK Pounds, of which Y6,000 is to be used each month for the next year to support salaries of teachers at poor centers

Chinese site of Lighthouse group helping the poor in China

Two teachers needed for Guangzhou Ke Da Foreign Language Commercial School a.s.a.p   Salary Y5,000 per month + free meals etc

Rubbish from UK (and other places) doing harm in China   - c.f.      A load of dangerous rubbish - not good news

Hello from Australia - John Dear - many interesting facts as you read down the article

God bless everyone this Easter -  especially  people fighting cancer & other big illnesses!

John W omi

2007-03-29 Dear Friends 

Good morning from warm and sultry Zhaoqing.  One week to Easter.  "Ben Hur" ready for classes next week....

The past week:

2007-03-23 Marco Polo primary teachers Helen, Janet & Leanne with primary one children at Ke Ji College "Lei Feng Fong" Concert

Last Saturday - Soccer - China & Australia

From last Sunday to Tuesday I was in Hong Kong for meetings....so...not many photos the past week

Calendar 

Recent donations:       God bless all donors!
Anita Li, Notre Dame HK - $500
In remembrance of Mrs Ho Kam Shan, Canada - HK$2,500
Maria, Notre Dame HK - $300
"DB3", HK - $4,000
Anon, HK - $1,000
Kevin Chan, HK $3,780 (2,980 for school fees for poor students; 800 to help Rosa C in paying medical bills for the poor)
Leung Siu King, St Alfred's HK - $1,000
Anon, St Alfred's HK - $200
Doris Kempnich, Brisbane - AUD$100 (for Wendy, handicapped girl near Mazenod Center)

Culture shock for Chinese students in Britain

Friday March 30 - World Day of Prayer for Peace

Suicide the no. 1 cause of death among young people in China (...and in Australia...)

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

Please note - I'm due to go to Hong Kong this Sunday afternoon March 25 for meetings Monday and Tuesday....due to return to Zhaoqing Tuesday night March 27. See top of this page for HK mobile number.  (No afternoon visit to Yunfu this Sunday)

2007-03-22 Dear Friends 

Good afternoon from Zhaoqing under a cloudy but fine sky......lovely stars often visible at night

The past week:

2007-03-16 Happy Birthday Marco Polo teacher Helen;     visit with HK Rosa C to three hospitals

2007-03-17 Ricci Memorial Center:  stamps from Australia + St Patrick's Day English Corner.....+ Yunfu reflecting baby

Also last Saturday: when I went to pay for my Y5 lunch at canteen near Ricci Memorial Center, lady said "people who just left have already paid for you".  No idea who they were.   Maybe cousins of three drivers on one Thursday night not long ago: taxi driver saw me walking from CAS to Mazenod Center and insisted on a free ride.....then driver who took 140 rice boxes and me to Assisi declined the fare....as did motor bike rider for return trip.   HK Rosa C and Rosa H also have had similar kind experiences....usually accompanied by words to the effect "you help poor people....I no charge you"

2007-03-19 Visit to five centers in poor areas by CAS Senior One students Angel & Gary + Ke Ji College volunteers at Marco Polo

2007-03-20  Thank you Hong Kong Olivier and Company in Shenzhen/Guangzhou for another kind donation of toys etc for poor children

2007-03-20 Visit to centers in poor areas by Hong Kong benefactors from St Benedict's Parish in Shatin

2007-03-22 Visit to CAS by HK teachers Angela, Bernadette, Dominica & Juliana + Assisi & Mazenod teachers Mandy & Lina

Welcome Pablo! - a  US Oblate now teaching  in Nanchang  with AITECE!

Calendar 

Recent donations:       God bless all donors!
Conor & Claire, Zhaoqing University - Y1,000 (for rent of Ricci Memorial Center)
Christine, HK - Y100
Group from St Benedict's Parish, HK - Y3,300
Olivier's Company in Shenzhen/Guangzhou - many thanks for another shipment of toys etc for poor children 

The cost of Australia's friendship with the USA

An Explanation of China's Increased Military Spending

Send money by mobile....bypass the hungry banks

Leave Iraq alone

Saturday March 24: Soccer/Footballl   China vs Australia in Guangzhou!   (hope it's a draw!)

Friday March 30 - World Day of Prayer for Peace

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

IQ question:  Who am I?  I have a godson               (only one human possibility)

2007-03-15 Dear Friends 

Ides of March (not the music group...) hello from Zhaoqing

The past week (which included a London fog on Tuesday):

2007-03-11 Sunday English classes - before BoB  in Zhaoqing & after BoB in Yunfu

Same day: visit to poor areas by group from St John's parish in Hong Kong

2007-03-13 Class at Assisi Center + the latest game in San Mao Village

2007-03-15 Visit to CAS & centers by Fr Roderick from Adelaide + visit to CAS kindergarten by Marco Polo teachers Helen and Janet

Last Friday: many thanks to husband of Ricci School principal Rosa Zhong for arranging donation of large quantity of used furniture.
Various centers now happy to have extra tables etc

Previous Wednesday: Many Asian Oblates were in Yogyakarta for annual meeting. After the meeting,  two were at airport waiting to fly to Jakarta and saw GA 200  crash as it came into land. It was the plane for their flight.  May Garuda soon follow China's example in upgrading airline safety

Please note: I now  go to city of Yunfu (one hour from Zhaoqing) every Sunday afternoon for 2.30pm Breaking of Bread at Seniors' Home + 3.30pm English Class for primary & secondary students....leaving Zhaoqing by bus about 1pm bus.....due back Zhaoqing about 7pm.  In Yunfu I use my "out of Zhaoqing" mobile phone number (see top of this page).  Also on Sunday afternoons - Rosa H now has lively English class in little school built by Fr Ma at Shang Ching Wan (across the river)

Calendar 

Recent donor: Fr Roderick O'Brien, Adelaide - AUD$100
February donations (received in Zhaoqing in Feb)  to help our work for the poor = Y31,820.  God bless all donors!
Money used during February to help the poor (teachers salaries, rents, activities, hospital bills etc) = Y33,350

Beijing E-map

2007-03-10 Protecting people of China from sense of emptiness

2007-03-11 Chomsky: Washington & Iran

2007-03-12 Buddhism contributes to harmonious society in China

2007-03-13 Religion contributes to harmonious society in China

2007-03-14 World stands by while Darfur burns  

Cardinal Francis George o.m.i. (Chicago) recently gave an address to  the US Congress
titled "What Kind of Democracy Leads to Secularization?"  To listen please click here

Some books I've recently finished (re-)reading:
Agnes Sanford (born in China!): "The Healing Gifts of the Spirit" -   A most beautiful book....puts  most important facts in a simple way....reminds me of Julian of Norwich *****  (put "healing gifts spirit agnes sanford" into www.google.com )
Stuart Jackman: The Davidson Affair *****

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

Happy St Patrick's Day  for Lions on Saturday night!

+ If anyone is coming from Australia to HK in the near future, I'd be most grateful for a bottle of Mylanta (not available in HK). 
Good for heat rash which troubles many people here in the coming months of Summer

2007-03-08 Dear Friends 

Hello from Zhaoqing on this  International Women's Day....not a public holiday  but very important in China. 
Winter has made a comeback the past few days....not yet ready to go away for another year.
Also in the air: plan for China to keep May 1 as holiday, but scrap rest of  May "Golden Week" (May 2-7) and instead follow HK and have Ching Ming, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, Ching Yeung     Festivals...and Christmas Day...as holidays...... to protect Chinese culture

The past week:

2007-03-02 Hong Kong visitors Nancy, Teresa, Fr Leung, Ling & Peter

2007-03-04  House blessing for Ramon & Teray.....then Bingo English at Yunfu

2007-03-05 Thank you HK Rosa H (& Peter Y in Macau)  for children's uniforms + visitor Rosa M + evening English at Ricci School

Please note: I now  go to city of Yunfu (one hour from Zhaoqing) every Sunday afternoon for 2.30pm Breaking of Bread at Seniors' Home + 3.30pm English Class for children....leaving Zhaoqing on 1pm bus.....due back Zhaoqing about 7pm.  In Yunfu I use my "out of Zhaoqing" mobile phone number (see top of this page).  Also on Sunday afternoons - Rosa H now has lively English class in little school built by Fr Ma at Shang Ching Wan (across the river)

Calendar 

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor: God bless all donors!  I say five special Masses each month for each month's donors
- friend of Kevin Chan, HK - Y800 to help Rosa C's work for sick people
- Teresa, Tuen Wan HK - Y1,000  (immediately used to pay for new born baby needing intensive care at No. 1 Hospital)

+ New academic semester: AITECE now has some 60 teachers (including myself) working in China, assisting China's development

Thank you Francesco for yet  another photo of old Zhaoqing

2007-03-06 Children must be raised, not idolised  

2007-03-06 People's Congress - so much important info        e.g.   Premier's report incorporates migrant workers'  suggestions

2007-03-07 Miracle in Northern Ireland

Middle East File has update re Jewish group lobbying for more openness re policy debate

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

2007-03-01 Dear Friends 

Hello from Zhaoqing at the start of another month....and the start (Feb 28) of a new semester here in China. 
Overseas team at CAS is Cyprian (Go-Abroads), Garth (primary), Shaun (kindergarten) and I (secondary) - four musketeers. 
Farewell and every good wish to Nelson who is now working in Guangzhou. 
My working days at CAS are now 2 and a half: all Wednesday, all Thursday and Friday morning

The past week:

2007-02-22 Visit to poor areas by Guangzhou Senior Two students Nancy and Rebecca

2007-02-24 Saturday: Yum Cha after morning English - thank you Jimmy & group; evening English Corner - thank you Norma Jean & Jingle

2007-02-25 JW's very first English class at Yunfu Seniors' Home

2007-02-27 Lunar New Year meal for staff from various centers, with guests Betty M, Garth and Joe

2007-02-26  Simone about to leave Marco Polo for No. 2 Hospital........+ welcome back Joe ..+ thank you CAS for kind donation of clothes

2007-03-01 Special visitor from Hong Kong, Anna-Maria, with HK Betty, HK Rosa C and HK Rosa H

Some older photos- thank you Charlie - 2006-11-30 visit by CAS secondary students to Chimelong Paradise Theme Park in Guangzhou

And thank you Francesco for more photos of old Zhaoqing

Please note: I'm now due to go to city of Yunfu (one hour from Zhaoqing) every Sunday afternoon for 2.30pm Breaking of Bread at Seniors' Home + 3.30pm English Class for children....leaving Zhaoqing on 1pm bus.....due back Zhaoqing about 7pm.  In Yunfu I'll be using my "out of Zhaoqing" mobile phone number (see top of this page) 

Calendar 

2007-02-27 A seminal article re socialism, social justice and fairness   - by Premier Wen

What airport recently handled 872 flights in one day?  (and we're not talking about little planes...)

US torture system on trial

Apartheid Gaza 

Before invasion of Iraq, Dick Cheyney made a quick visit to countries that would support the invasion....which is why he's now re-visiting the same countries...to prepare for an invasion of Iran.   May political and church leaders have  courage to oppose this invasion (...almost no mention in most media of huge build-up of US forces in Gulf)...see Iran File

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

2007-02-22 Dear Friends 

Happy Lunar New Year (Feb 18)  from Zhaoqing where some lovely rain is falling.  All schools  on holidays until start of new semester February 28.  This time of year in China is like Christmas in  other countries: family meals/visiting relatives/dressing up/gifts for children/traveling.  This year  more than 100,000,000(!) people went back to their home towns to be with family

Chinese New Year - a really good summary of what it's all about

And a perpetual Chinese calendar  (..how will the restaurants have a holiday in 2110 when Lunar New Year is Valentine's Day, Feb 14?!)

Chinese leaders use holidays to visit the poor (...not the first time....their policy....what a good idea for all leaders in all countries/groups)

The past two weeks:

2007-02-08 Visit to Xinqiao  (+ Zhaoqing railway station)

2007-02-09 Baby Ho at Rosa C's home....more good news; Fr Louis omi visiting Area C

2007-02-10 Saturday English at Ricci Memorial Center - a.m. , afternoon and p.m.  Thank you Fr Louis omi and Jingle (Fudan University)
Notice in this report: Monash University (Melbourne) has a college in Guangzhou....

2007-02-11 Wedding Reception of Mr Xian Zhi Wen and CAS long-serving secretary Win Peng Zhi Yun

2007-02-18 Lunar New Year's Day  - After Breaking of Bread at Seniors'  Home in Yunfu (about one hour from Zhaoqing)

Please note: I'm now due to go to city of Yunfu (one hour from Zhaoqing) every Sunday afternoon for 2.30pm Breaking of Bread at Seniors' Home + 3.30pm English Class for children....leaving Zhaoqing on 1pm bus.....due back Zhaoqing about 7pm.  In Yunfu I'll be using my "out of Zhaoqing" mobile phone number (see top of this page) 

Calendar 

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor: God bless all donors!  I say five special Masses each month for each month's donors
- Jan 26 - DB Stephen, HK - $1,000
- Feb 02 - DB3, HK - $4,000
- Feb 11 - Joe Chen, Zhaoqing - Y5,000
- Feb 13 - St Alfred's Parish, HK - $6,920
- Feb 14 - Anon, HK - $1,000
- Feb 15 - Notre Dame Parish, HK - $600
- Feb 16 - Columban Sisters, HK - Y10,000  

+ Total donations reaching Zhaoqing in January = Y26,000. 
Total money used to help the poor in January (teachers' salaries/rents/hospital bills  etc) = Y44,360  

+ HK Rosa is looking for someone to help  21 year John Zhou continue his nutrition degree at Wuhan City's Shengwa College.
John's father is dying of cancer here in Zhaoqing.....we are visiting him most days....hoping for a miracle....thank you for a special prayer for him.  But his sickness/hospitalization has left the family unable to pay John's college fees from September 2007, for his final year.
Rosa says that this would be most unfortunate and could affect the rest of his life. Rosa also says John is a most worthy person to help.
Please contact Rosa for more details: (86) 13556594561

+ Recent discovery: The name of our local village "San Mao" comes from the city of San Shui and the city of Mao Ming. San Mao was established  a couple of decades ago as a railway town (where rail staff live) serving the section of line between San Shui (1 hour towards Guangzhou) and Mao Ming (several hours the other way).  So...in Mandarin it's San Mao.  In Cantonese Saam Mau

"Tuya's Marriage" wins Berlin Golden Bear

It rots the brain and ruins the body 

In some cities in China - why  are more than 60% of all births     Caesarean?

Too late to save ice caps

Reflection on Nobel Prize winner's poverty message

Iran invasion coming soon?

Bayoneting a Scarecrow (Monbiot)

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

+ Two Asian OMIs have gone home to Heaven in the past week: Fr Markus (aged 47, Indonesia, traffic accident) and Bro Frank Thornton (aged 95, Perth, Australia)

+ Funeral report of Yunfu's Fr Ma now includes (in Chinese) a summary of his life

+ New statues of Matto Ricci and Francis Xavier in Beijing 

+ Photo of Zhaoqing about 1915

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

Scary: Ash Wednesday yesterday....day of fasting for everyone who has completed their 14th year and not yet started their 60th year
....I'm now in the team only as a volunteer.... still in the abstinence team (= all adults). Happy Lent!

Next diary - 2007-02-22 DV  (computer on Lunar New Year holiday...except for  latest photos)     HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

I'm due to go to HK Feb 12 for meetings (see calendar, below)....due to return by train on afternoon of Feb 16.  
HK mobile and mobile between Zhaoqing & HK - see top of this page

2007-02-08 Dear Friends 

Good afternoon  from Zhaoqing on Feast of St Josephine Bahkita (patroness of our Area C center). 
Warm here this week...... 26 degrees yesterday.  Only 10 days to the Lunar New Year of the Pig.  Again wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday

The past week:

2007-02-02 Visit to centers in poor areas by China Education Fund group from Hong Kong

2007-02-03 Saturday English at Ricci Memorial Center in downtown Zhaoqing - thank you Dave, Garth, Jane, Ling & Peter, Mark

2007-02-04 Sunday: Breaking of Bread, old church, cemetery, Fr Ma's grave, Ricci Exhibition present & future sites

2007-02-05 Special English Corner at Ricci Memorial Center in Zhaoqing - with Aron, Fr David omi, Garth, Jane, Mark, Norma Jean, Patrick

2007-02-05 Macau supporters - Clara, Francesco, Teresa, Victoria, Fr Victor - at sharing meal with locals and visitors

2007-02-06 Special English Corner at Ricci Memorial Center in Zhaoqing - with Aron,  Garth, Jane, Mark, Norma Jean, Patrick

2007-02-07 Special English Corner at Ricci Memorial Center in Zhaoqing - with Fr David omi,  Garth, Jane, Fr Louis omi, Norma Jean, Peter

Calendar (note change Feb 11-12: I'm now due to go to HK Feb 12, not Feb 11....get together at Notre Dame Feb 12 now 4-7pm, not 2-5pm)

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor: 
- Jimmy Fan, Zhaoqing - Y1,000
- China Education Fund, HK - Y1,300
- Clara and Fr Victor's group, Macau - Y1,000

  God bless all donors!

+ Iran file ....American warships now positioning in Gulf....largest build up since invasion of Iraq....a mad president in US and a mad president in Iran, about to have a mad war???  ...why not more about this in main media??.....Dear Lord, may voices of moderation please prevail.  May more leaders have the courage to speak out against this new invasion

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

+ Train to/from Hong Kong sometimes delayed these days ...construction work between Guangzhou and Shenzhen

+ Have just finished reading two excellent books by Francis MacNutt: "The Nearly Perfect Crime" (now republished as  ) and "Deliverance From Evil Spirits".  Second book has got me back to using blessed water/oil/salt in praying for the sick.....with surprising results

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

Jan 18-Feb 3 photos....some were stretched...now know what problem was and hope to fix these photos in coming weeks

Internet now back to normal -  God bless the courageous and skilful workers who fixed the cable problem in the sea between HK & Taiwan!

I'm due to go to HK Feb 12 for meetings (see calendar, below)....due to return by train on afternoon of Feb 16.  
HK mobile and mobile between Zhaoqing & HK - see top of this page

2007-02-01 Dear Friends 

Good morning from Zhaoqing at the start of a new month. Lunar New Year fast approaching (Feb 18).  Most schools here now on holidays......many people traveling.....may everyone have a safe holiday

The past week:

2007-01-27 Saturday: deformed baby + Do Do +  English Corner with Jane, Aron, Matt, Candy, Water, Rebecca & Paddy

2007-01-29 Good news update on Baby Ho (Biliary Atresia)  + DVD program in a taxi

2007-01-30 Yunfu: funeral services for Fr Ma Si Wan, Thomas  (see report in this link)

2007-01-30 Visit to all six centers by CAS pioneers Peter & Ling from HK, with Tineke Edwards from Melbourne

2007-01-31 Former CAS students Yanica and Angel, on holidays from Queensland University in Australia

Calendar (note change Feb 11-12: I'm now due to go to HK Feb 12, not Feb 11....get together at Notre Dame Feb 12 now 4-7pm, not 2-5pm)

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor:   God bless all donors!
- Iona College Library, Brisbane - AUD$161
- Frankie Kyan, Sydney - Y2,000
- Peter & Ling, HK - $6,000
- Tineke, Melburne - Y1,070

+ Thank you Peter & Ling (& Anthony) for bringing new Sulfasalazine pills from HK for man here with critical liver disease

+ Iran file has several important updates....American warships now positioning in Gulf....largest build up since invasion of Iraq....a mad president in US and a mad president in Iran, about to have a mad war???  Dear Lord, may voices of moderation please prevail.  May more leaders have the courage to speak out against this new invasion

+ Congratulations Sydney on being voted the world's top city

+ Message for Oblates and Oblate friends - reflection by Fr Steckling for February 17 (click  "Message for Feb 17")

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer & other big illnesses

God bless!

John W omi

Internet not yet back to normal.....still  slow .....sometimes still unable to receive/send email...
maybe end of month before internet cables repaired.   All photos/reports up to January 19 have now been uploaded DG.....but the process has been slow and piecemeal.....so....if you know of any photos/files missing ...or missing in part....please let me know.  I normally check all photos after uploading them, but  internet is still too slow to do this for the couple of hundred photos Dec 26 - Jan 19

2007-01-25 Dear Friends 

Good morning from Zhaoqing on Feast of St Paul - happy day to everyone, every group, every place named in honor of St Paul....not forgetting today is 191st birthday of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)

Today there are two vans heading this way from HK/Guangzhou - one loaded with baby milk powder, one with clothing. Many thanks to kind donors....and to HK Rosa C for storage in her home!   Thanks also to HK friends who helped Rosa C and HK Rosa H arrange for Marco Polo primary one boy KJ to go to HK's Adventist Hospital recently for further tests....before heart operation DV after Lunar New Year

Welcome back 2003 teacher Aron to CAS - photos next week...
As we prepare to go on holidays, Australia prepares to start academic year....thinking of you, Iona/Mazenod 1 & 2 etc

The past week:

2007-01-18 Prayers please for Baby Ho - rare disease: Biliary Atresia

2007-01-18 Visit to Ricci sites & poor areas by PIME friends Mario & Paulo

2007-01-19 Visit to poor areas by Renee & Brian (HK Lantau Island) with Anne & Ray (Canada) + CAS Garth

Last Sunday I took direct bus to HK....pleasing to see it now uses freeway between Zhaoqing and San Shui (...but still needs 5 hours to get to 
Kowloon Tong).  Also using freeway: bus between Zhaoqing and Yunfu (now only a one hour trip)

Calendar (note change Feb 11-12: I'm now due to go to HK Feb 12, not Feb 11....get together at Notre Dame Feb 12 now 4-7pm, not 2-5pm)

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor:   God bless all donors!
Nov 27 - DB Stephen, HK - $1,000
Dec 6 - "DB3", HK - $4,000
Dec 29 - DB Stephen, HK - $1,000
Jan 3 - "DB3", HK - $4,000
Jan 22 - St Alfred's Parish, HK - $1,400
Jan 22 - Teresa, Adelaide - $1,508
(donations acknowledged as they are accessed....sometimes possible only when I get to HK..)

Several items of good news in this report

And good news from Monbiot

A load of dangerous rubbish - not good news

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer

God bless!

John W omi

+ Old English "Our Father" has too much out of date language (.."art....hallowed....thy....trespasses" etc). 
Some new OF's contain inaccurate English (.."holy be your name"). 
Maybe this OF (from internet) is ok?
Our Father in heaven
may everyone honor you.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us enough food for each day.
Forgive us as we forgive others.
Save us in time of trial
and protect us from evil

Internet almost back to normal.....still  slow ....sometimes still unable to upload large (photo) files....sometimes still unable to receive/send email...
maybe end of month before internet cables repaired.   All photos/reports up to January 16 have now been uploaded DG.....but the process has been slow and piecemeal.....so....if you know of any photos/files missing ...or missing in part....please let me know.  I normally check all photos after uploading them, but  internet is still too slow to do this for the couple of hundred photos Dec 26 - Jan 16

Please note I'm due to go to HK Sunday afternoon Jan 21, meetings Mon/Tues, due to return to Zhaoqing Tuesday night Jan 23. 
HK mobile - see top of this page.  Mobile between Zhaoqing and HK - see top of this page

2007-01-18 Dear Friends 

Cool Winter good morning from Zhaoqing.  Lunar New Year still a month away (Feb 18) but holidays for most primary schools in Zhaoqing have already begun ....Education Office has extended Lunar holidays ....so  Assisi, Marco Polo, Mazenod and Ricci School will be on holidays Jan 27 to Feb 27.  CAS keeping to just 3 weeks for most levels

The past week:

Last Thursday HK Betty and I went to Yunfu to see 90 year old Fr Ma.  He's been confined to bed now for nearly 2 months and is  getting ready for Heaven

2007-01-15,16 Visit to centers by  Wendy & Maria Goretti (HK) + Good Shepherd group Agnes, Juliana, Paulina, Virginia (Macau/Korea)

Yesterday, Jan 17: dear friend from Area C, Mr On, went home to heaven about 11am.  I was with him when he died at San Mau Engineering Hospital.  Last Friday at home he had some special water and oil put on his head

Also yesterday:  CAS Garth with Ricci School    Zhaoqing supporters Joe, Nancy, Elaine, Helen & Ms Ho

Africa file has been updated, with disturbing article about France's role in Rwanda genocide

Some more photos from 1985-1990

Calendar (note change Feb 11-12: I'm now due to go to HK Feb 12, not Feb 11....get together at Notre Dame Feb 12 now 4-7pm, not 2-5pm)

+ Recent donations to help our work for the poor:   God bless all donors!
- Wendy, HK - Y1,000
- Good Shepherd group, Macau/Korea - Y1,000

+ Grassroots charities in China using internet!

+ Important article re China's higher education system

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer....and Mr On's family

God bless!

John W omi

ps 1 - c'mon Qld Roar (whose team include's "China's Beckham")!

ps 2 Congratulations Fr Harry Dyer omi, due to succeed Fr Vin Ryan omi as Australian provincial in next month or so

ps 3   If anyone has any unwanted English DVDs......suitable for primary and secondary students.....please leave them at Notre Dame in HK
and DV  I'll collect the DVDs on next visit.  Need more DVDs for growing English library at Ricci Memorial Center in town. Thank you

Internet almost back to normal.....still very slow at times....sometimes still unable to upload large (photo) files....sometimes still unable to receive/send email...
maybe end of month before internet cables repaired.   All photos/reports up to January 16 have now been uploaded DG.....but the process has been slow and piecemeal.....so....if you know of any photos/files missing ...or missing in part....please let me know.  I normally check all photos after uploading them, but internet is still too slow to do this for the couple of hundred photos Dec 26 - Jan 10

2007-01-11 Dear Friends 

Good morning from  Zhaoqing.  Check photos to see clothes being worn to work out how cool it is here.  As I curl up under many blankets each night, I can't help wishing  something could be done for the couple of dozen street sleepers in Zhaoqing (...not to mention the hundreds in Guangzhou etc)

CAS oral classes in primary and secondary (except Go Abroads) have stopped.....students starting to prepare for end of term exams.....Lunar New Year  holidays on the horizon

The past week:

2007-01-06,07  Saturday night English Corner  - thank you Conor, Garth ....and HK visitors Brian and Jan (who visited poor areas on Sunday)

2007-01-10 Visit to centers in poor areas by CAS students and staff

All photos from Dec 26 to Jan 7 are now on www - see photos 2006

2006-12-23 Zhaoqing University report on Ricci Cultural Exchange Seminar (in Chinese) - thank you Francesco!

Calendar (note change Feb 11-12: I'm now due to go to HK Feb 12, not Feb 11....get together at Notre Dame Feb 12 now 4-7pm, not 2-5pm)

+ Recent donation to help our work for the poor: 
Martha, HK -  $1,000

Total donations for December 2006 = Y43,800;  total December 2006 help for the poor (rents, staff salaries, medical etc): Y46,990
- God bless all donors!

+ Important article   --   very like this one   -   and - - not forgetting this usually forgotten factor

+ Saddam's execution

+ Submit prayer requests to Francis MacNutt's prayer team - I have submitted names of several dear friends!

+ China Bible Quiz - results of Quiz 10 -   Quiz 11 closing March 25   - many many thanks to some dozen friends who took part in No. 10.
I'd be most, most grateful if a few more kind friends have time before March 25 to take part in No. 11

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer

God bless everyone right through 2007!

John W omi
.....due to go with HK Betty M to Yunfu today to see dear old Fr Ma......will take "China-outside-Zhaoqing" mobile chip (see top of diary:
Mobile when in other parts of China:  (86)- 13426973832)

p.s. If anyone has any unwanted English DVDs......suitable for primary and secondary students.....please leave them at Notre Dame in HK
and DV  I'll collect the DVDs on next visit.  Need more DVDs for growing English library at Ricci Memorial Center in town. Thank you

December 26 Taiwan earthquake ..... maybe January 18 before internet cables repaired .......  I'm unable to upload  recent photos
 .....sometimes also unable to receive/send  email.     Many photos linked in diary below are not yet uploaded.  Will upload when internet allows

2007-01-04 Dear Friends 

Happy Lunar New Year from Zhaoqing.  I wish everyone good health and safety right through 2007

The following photos and reports are still not uploaded

2006-12-26 Visit to CAS, Marco Polo & Ricci School by HK St Aflred's group.  Also at Ricci: Clara's Macau group

2006-12-27 Visiting/helping the poor in Zhaoqing: Fr Victor, Clara & friends from Macau;  Fr Stefano, Candy and friends from Hong Kong.

2006-12-28 Fr Martin's SDB Macau group - visited all centers these past few days - gave up school holidays to spend time with the poor

2006-12-29 Four HK/Macau groups: Canossian group, A-Yau'group, Clara's group, Cecilia & Winnie  - thank you for helping poor children!

2006-12-30  HK Canossian group - Christmas party for Bahkita/Ricci/Marco Polo children   + HK Cecilia & Winnie + English Corner

Calendar 

+ Good news for Hong Kong residents - China e-passports  (just locals or all HK residents?)

+ A leader close to the people

+ New - China Government information site

Thank you for a prayer  for all near and dear who are sick - especially the  dear friends fighting cancer

God bless everyone right through 2007!

John W omi

p.s. If anyone has any unwanted English DVDs......suitable for primary and secondary students.....please leave them at Notre Dame in HK
and DV  I'll collect the DVDs on next visit.  Need more DVDs for growing English library at Ricci Memorial Center in town. Thank you

Diary  2006