Three Catholic priests from Belgium have been granted permanent residence in Taiwan in recognition of their long-term humanitarian work in the country, the National Immigration Agency said on Sunday.
The semi-retired priests, Anthony Maes, Marcel Goffart and Willy Ollevier, received permanent residence cards on Saturday, which entitle them to reduced public transportation fares and reduced entry fees to educational and recreational venues, the agency said.
They have all been in Taiwan for 40 years doing charity and missionary work, the agency said.
In addition to spreading the gospel, the priests have cared for disadvantaged groups, agency -Director-General Hsieh Li-kung (謝立功) said.
The priests are based at the Taiwan branch of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), which celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday.
The CICM’s mission includes providing free shelter for the homeless, helping underprivileged workers and assisting children from single-parent families.
Maes, 79, was quoted in the media as saying that during his service at a shelter in Taipei, he has seen many homeless people come and go and what made him most happy was when they managed to get back on their feet.
“I was especially moved to see them become willing to go home or find a job,” he said.
Goffart, 74, who directed Taiwan’s first St Therese of Lisieux Church, organizes after-school programs for disadvantaged children.
Ollevier works with workers who need assistance. For example, he might help them in seeking compensation when they have suffered occupational accidents.
“Giving a timely helping hand actually saved a whole family,” he said in a report in the Chinese-language China Times.
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