Addresses Prelates From Hong Kong and Macao
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 27, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is waiting for the day when the bishops of mainland China will visit the See of Peter.The Pope said this today upon receiving the bishops of the Chinese dioceses of Hong Kong and Macao at the conclusion of their five-yearly visit.
Hong Kong and Macao are the two special administrative regions of China, and are allowed govern themselves with a high degree of sovereignty. "I hope and pray to the Lord that the day will soon come when your brother bishops from mainland China come to Rome on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, as a sign of communion with the Successor of Peter and the Universal Church," Benedict XVI said. "I willingly avail myself of the occasion to send to the Catholic community of China and to all the people of that vast country the assurance of my prayers and my affection."
The Pontiff also encouraged the two dioceses to "continue your contribution to the life of the Church in mainland China, both by offering personnel for formation purposes and by supporting initiatives in the field of human promotion and assistance."
"We must never forget however that Christ is also for China a teacher, pastor and loving redeemer. The Church must never allow this good news to remain unspoken."
Formation
The Pope urged the bishops to pay special attention to the ongoing formation of the clergy, and more specifically with regard to "young priests confronted with new pastoral challenges arising from the task of evangelizing a society as complex as today's."
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 27, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is waiting for the day when the bishops of mainland China will visit the See of Peter.The Pope said this today upon receiving the bishops of the Chinese dioceses of Hong Kong and Macao at the conclusion of their five-yearly visit.Hong Kong and Macao are the two special administrative regions of China, and are allowed govern themselves with a high degree of sovereignty. "I hope and pray to the Lord that the day will soon come when your brother bishops from mainland China come to Rome on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, as a sign of communion with the Successor of Peter and the Universal Church," Benedict XVI said. "I willingly avail myself of the occasion to send to the Catholic community of China and to all the people of that vast country the assurance of my prayers and my affection."
The Pontiff also encouraged the two dioceses to "continue your contribution to the life of the Church in mainland China, both by offering personnel for formation purposes and by supporting initiatives in the field of human promotion and assistance."
"We must never forget however that Christ is also for China a teacher, pastor and loving redeemer. The Church must never allow this good news to remain unspoken."
Formation
The Pope urged the bishops to pay special attention to the ongoing formation of the clergy, and more specifically with regard to "young priests confronted with new pastoral challenges arising from the task of evangelizing a society as complex as today's."
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