Their Lives Are Still Sacred

Photo by Elizabeth McMahon/CRS

JILIN PROVINCE, China — In February 2006, Father Peter Xu got his dream job when he was appointed the first director of the Tinaji Social Service Center of Jilin Diocese. The center provides social support for the poor and marginalized, and a platform for youth to participate in the social mission of the Church.

"It is my dream come true to work closely with people in need and to empower them to help themselves," explains Father Peter. "I think that the greatest need in our community is to promote the sanctity of life and to spread the message of the dignity of the human person. This is a particularly important message to send to the community regarding people living with HIV and AIDS — even though they have an illness, their lives are still sacred and they have something unique to contribute to society."

Care and Support for People Living With HIV and AIDS

The CRS-supported center provides care and support services to people living with HIV and AIDS, their family members and people who are homebound because of their illness. It also promotes general awareness, and has reached over 5,000 people with activities aimed at reducing the stigma associated with AIDS. In addition to regular staff, the center has 78 community volunteers, mostly retirees and young adults.