Claretian Publishers at the Frankfurt Book Fair

The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies represented. It is held annually in mid-October in Frankfurt, Germany.

Representatives from book publishing and multimedia companies from all over the world come to the Frankfurt Book Fair in order to negotiate international publishing rights and licensing fees. For five days (October 15-19) more than 7,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries and more than 286,000 visitors took part. The Frankfurt Book Fair is considered to be the most important book fair in the world for international deals and trading.

Claretian publishers from Argentina, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Spain and China attended this year´s Book Fair.

As Claretian publishers we have a common stand at the Book Fair; we share projects and ideas that we later translate into our own reality according to culture, country and language.

Claretian Editors: From left to right – Gustavo Larrazábal (Argentina),
Alberto (China), Luis Erlin (Brazil),
Benny Kanjirakatt (India), Benedict Dilag (Philippines),
Fernando Prado (Spain), and Silvia Villalta (Brazil).

Visiting the Book Fair, Cardinal Karl Lehmann took a look at our Spanish Bible, “La Biblia de Nuestro Pueblo,” and was happily surprised when he read the name of the translator, Luis Alonso Schökel, saying that he was his Bible professor.

Claretian Father Fernando Prado with Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo signing “Palabra y Vida 2009”: the liturgical readings with commentaries of José Antonio Pagola.

Books for China’s seminaries

In last year´s Book Fair, several Catholic publishers from the USA promised and later sent a huge amount of theological books for the seminaries in China.

Here is a “thank you” letter from the rector of the Chinese National Catholic Seminary in Beijing:

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Dear Fr. Boadt,

As the time comes while our seminary benefactors are meeting again in Germany as Fr. Rossa reminded me, I want to take this opportunity to write a letter to thank you for your generosity to donate many books to our seminary. On behalf of the whole seminary community, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to you and to your community, and be sure of our prayers. Our Seminary is growing in terms of numbers. In our formation program, there are five classes: Fourth Year Theology has two classes; Second Year Theology; First Year Philosophy and a Human Formation Year. Another one is the Continuing Education Program for ordained priests from all over China which we have every year. There are about 120 students in total. As the only seminary in China which is able to grant academic degrees, our faculty members are trying their best to teach and to do research so that our students will be well formed and educated. It makes our library become more important in this institution. This is the reason, the academic dean who is also the librarian and I are trying to ask for more good books on a variety of topics. You have been our very important contributor. Our funds are rather limited. Thank you and God bless you. With an open invitation from me personally, you are most welcome to visit us and especially, our library. Father Rossa who is a great friend of ours will certainly be a good host in this regard.


Sincerely yours,
Fr. John Chen Shujie
Rector

Fr. Peter Chao Lectures in Beijing

During the whole month of October, Claretian Fr. Peter Chao, CMF taught at the National Seminary a course on “Chinese Philosophy.” Fr. Chao has a master´s degree in Chinese Literature. Here is another “thank you” letter, this time by the Dean of Studies:

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Dear Fr. Alberto,

I want to say thanks to you because you sent Fr. Peter Chao to us to teach the seminarians Chinese Philosophy. The students like his lectures very much.

I want to ask for Fr. Peter Chao the permission to teach for the seventh priests´ renewal course from 19 of April till 6 of June 2010. He will teach the priests how to train the laity in their parish churches. I have talked with Fr. Peter Chao and he is willing to do so…

With best regards!
Fr. Johannes Chen Binshan

Journeying with the Bible

The synod on the Word of God concluded recently. The Pastoral Bible Foundation is promoting the study of the Bible using all possible means. One of them is offering internet courses. Last month we introduced you to JOURNEY and invited you to visit: www.journey.kaleren.com

This very inspiring course was prepared by Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Canada. Recently he wrote:

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Alberto:

You have my permission to use Journey material in the best way you know how. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and be with you in all you do. It is a real consolation for me to know that what we worked on many years ago is going to have life once more.

Marcel Gervais, archbishop emeritus of Ottawa.

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And then Msgr. Gervais wrote the following introduction for our internet course:

Dear Friends:

Today I am a retired archbishop of Ottawa, Canada. I have served the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ for many years. Before I was ordained a bishop, I directed the team that created this Bible study program. I want to assure you all that these texts were labored over by many competent people, and finally edited by me, before being offered to the public. I want to say to all our Chinese friends who are using Journey, that I am overjoyed that you are reading and praying and studying the Scriptures, using Journey as your guide. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word of God, be with you every step of your way on your journey with the Word of God.

The course is available in English and Chinese. You have to register to enter, but the course is FREE. Remember, we are waiting for you at: journey.kaleren.com.

Hopefully with time and effort we can offer this course in Spanish, French and Portuguese.

You can study the Word of God from the convenience of your computer. Last month we presented an interactive Bible course for FREE. We have not completed posting it, but you can already start. See if you “dare”: journey.kaleren.com.

Let us know what you think about this course. Write to us at: rossa6@gmail.com.

As we reflect on the Word of God, we recommend that you read:

Final message of the synod on the Word of God

The assembly of bishops concludes its work, presenting the final message. "Our faith is not only centered on a book, but on a history of salvation and a person, Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh." The text unfolds in four sections: from God's relationship with man as creator to the invitation of Jesus to the Church: "Go and make disciples of all nations."

The final message of the synod on the Word of God is inspiring and challenging. You will find it

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Final Propositions of the Synod of Bishops on the Bible
You will find them at:

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And what about some Bible verses for your prayer and devotion:

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible."
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired."
God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it. (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I forgive you. (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs.
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.
(2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME. (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

You read French?

A group of people who appreciate the work that we do in the biblical apostolate has created in France an association to help in the promotion of the Word of God. They are working closely with the Pastoral Bible Foundation. This is the ASSBC: "Association de Soutien aux Sociétés Bibliques Catholiques" - Association for Aid to Catholic Biblical Societies. The members include Fr. Louis Hurault, brother of our dear P. Bernardo Hurault, the author of the Latin American Bible who went to heaven four years ago.

Every year this association sends generous contributions for the promotion of the biblical work in Asia, and in a special way the biblical work in China. To them we say: MERCI BEAUCOUP!

I invite to you to visit their webpage: www.assbc.org

Curiosities:

Chinese cathedral moved 75 meters

Pictured: The 1,500-ton Catholic church moved 248 ft and rotated 90 degrees to make way for a new road.

Rather than demolish St Dominic's Cathedral in Fuzhou, China, engineers have moved it 75 meters from its original position and turned its accommodation for priests 90 degrees.

Part of the 1,500-tonne church building was taken 75.6 meters from its original position to move it out of the way of a construction project.

The accommodation for priests will then be rotated 90 degrees to make way for a new road. Engineers set the two storey building on 400 wheels to run on rails before gradually turning it.
Planners decided on the action rather than demolish the Catholic cathedral in the Fujian provincial capital.

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Greater role flagged for religion in China:
Party leader
Published: October 16, 2008

Dr Zhou Tianyong

The head of China's Communist Party central leadership school has said the country will have a form of democracy by 2020 with an increased role for civil society including religious groups and other NGOs.

The Age reports Zhou Tianyong, 50, deputy head of research at the powerful Central Party School, the party's top think tank and training academy for leaders, told London's Daily Telegraph that a 12-year plan to establish democratic reforms including "public democratic involvement at all government levels" and "extensive public participation" in policymaking and drafting of legislation was on track.

Dr Zhou, an eminent economics professor noted within the party for his liberal views, said the Government was determined to reform despite setbacks caused by "infighting" within government bureaucracies.

He also said a transition to democracy was "essential for relations with Taiwan and a possible peaceful reunification."

Dr Zhou also predicted an increased role for civil society as represented by non-government organizations, charities and business and religious groups.

He was a key author of the Party School's Storming the Fortress report, released in February, which warned that China faced social and economic instability if the Communist Party did not reform itself, curb corruption and heed the public's desire for greater democracy.

The report called for systematic liberalization including greater media and religious freedom by 2020.

The document was finished after the 17th Party Congress late last year, at which President Hu Jintao promised more extensive democratic and human rights, but was not released until this year.

Books about the Church in China:

Guide to the Catholic Church in China 2008

Editor: Jean Charbonnier, MEP Singapore:
China Catholic Communication

Email: mail@zhonglian.org
Limited copies also available from USCCB
chinabur@shu.edu
US$35.00 [inc. postage]

Most comprehensive Guide (bi-lingual listings) By Provinces/Dioceses/Parishes/ Religious Congregations and names of Bishops/Clergy/Major Religious Superiors. Extensive supplemental references on International Church and Research Organizations concerned with China.

A chronology of World and Chinese History and history of Christianity in China [618-2007]. Bibliography on China Church 2001-07.

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Annotated Bibliography of Christianity in China

Compiled by China Academic Consortium, and available on the web at www.errchina.com (scroll down to annotated Bibliography). It lists some 300 titles published in China by secular publishers from 1985 to the present – covering 21 categories, each with a Chinese summary and English translation. The bibliography introduces Christianity as a cultural and historical force, as well as basic (Protestant) Christian theology. It is based on writings of Chinese scholars in philosophy, literature and history.

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Brief history of the Catholic Church in China

Catholic scholars and sociologists sometimes
refer to the current religious revival in China
as the country’s fifth evangelization.

click the above image to link to the site

For more news about the church in China:
www.catholicnews.com/data/china/china.htm

INVITATION TO TRAVEL TO CHINA

US Catholic China Bureau’s

12th Religious Study Tour to China
April 18 – May 5, 2009

Visit places of cultural and religious significance

For more details Contact 1-973-763-1131
or check our website
www.usccb.net

Estimated Costs: $4,000 (dbl/occ)
All inclusive

Welcome to our blog!

Updates, news and events in our China Mission

September 2008

International University of Beijing – IUB

As we informed you last month, we were ready to begin the fall term on September 15. Our students from abroad were ready to go, with their suitcases packed… but the visa to China was not granted. We were told that the reason was the extremely tight security because of the Olympics. Now that the games are over and were a success, especially for China, we expect that the visa situation will be back to normal. So the IUB project is postponed for the beginning of 2009 as we continue to have the indefatigable help of Fr. Michael Saso for this project.

We invite you to take a closer look at our programs. Fr. Tuchu and Ian prepared a beautiful web page. Here it is: www.iubeijing.org