Jubilee Year Spirit Inspires aid for earthquake survivors in Tibet

A powerful earthquake, one of the most devastating to hit the Himalayan region in a century, struck Dingri County and Shigatse, Tibet, on January 7, registering a magnitude of 6.8 (7.1 on the Richter scale), according to the Chinese Earthquake Networks Centre.

The disaster has claimed over 120 lives, left more than 330 injured, displaced approximately 50,000 people, and destroyed or severely damaged tens of thousands of homes. 

Support has poured in from across the globe. On January 9, during Pope Francis' address to the Diplomatic Corps at the Holy See, he expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims, while Chinese officials reported that over 400 people remain trapped under rubble. 

In India and Nepal, hundreds of exiled Tibetans held candlelight vigils in memory of those who lost their lives. 

In Tibet, Chinese Catholic communities have mobilized solidarity initiatives to aid those affected. 

The Diocese of Beijing issued an appeal emphasizing the Jubilee Year’s spirit and the Christmas season, urging believers to remember the words of Christ: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 

The Diocese of Beijing has encouraged all parishes to collect donations, which will be distributed by its charitable organization, Divine Mercy. 

In alignment with the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Diocese of Shantou extended the appeal to Catholic communities worldwide to join in offering support. 

Meanwhile, local organizations in Shanghai revealed that the Diocese of Shanghai made one of the earliest contributions—a generous donation of 500,000 yuan (approximately 66,000 euros)—to assist the relief efforts. 

Search and rescue teams continue their work on the ground, helping survivors recover their belongings and providing aid amidst the devastation.