April 27, 2022
Mao Zedong resigned as State Chairman in China on this day in 1959 because of the failure of his Great Leap Forward program.
His plan to shift China from an agrarian to a modern industrial society is now regarded as an economic and humanitarian disaster.
He put great emphasis on steel production.
However, the steel produced was often of poor quality but diverting people to its production meant harvests were neglected.
Lord,
it is said that Mao’s great distrust of intellectuals meant that he refused to consult with experts before launching his plan.
We ask that we might be wise enough to know our own limitations and have the grace to ask for help when we need it.
Grant that those entrusted with important decisions will consider all the consequences before acting.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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