HONG KONG AND MACAO: CALLED TO BEAR WITNESS TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2008 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received the bishops of the Chinese dioceses of Hong Kong and Macao, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit.

  These two particular Churches, said the Holy Father, are "called to be witnesses to Christ, to look forward in hope and to announce the Gospel facing up to the new challenges that the people of Hong Kong and Macao must embrace".

  He pointed out the need for "an adequate ongoing formation of the clergy" highlighting how this "is an intrinsic requirement of the gift and sacramental ministry received; and it proves necessary in every age. It is particularly urgent today, not only because of rapid changes in the social and cultural conditions of individuals and peoples among whom the priestly ministry is exercised, but also because of that 'new evangelisation' which constitutes the essential and pressing task of the Church".

  "Catholic schools offer an important contribution to the intellectual, spiritual and moral formation of the new generations. This crucial aspect of personal growth is what motivates Catholic parents, and those from other religious traditions, to seek out Catholic schools".

  "The Catholic schools of your two dioceses have given significant impulse to the social development and cultural growth of your people. Today these educational centres face new difficulties; be assured that I am with you, and I encourage you to ensure that this important service will never fall by the wayside".

  The Holy Father thanked the bishops "for the affection and devotion you have shown to the Holy See in different ways. As I congratulate you on the many achievements of your well-organised diocesan communities, I encourage you to even greater commitment in the search for adequate means of presenting the Christian message of love in a more comprehensible way to the world in which you live", he said.

  "I also encourage your 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". In this context the Pope expressed his recognition for "the invaluable service" of "the charitable organisation Caritas of both dioceses".

  Benedict XVI concluded by saying: "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".
AL/.../CHINESE BISHOPS                        VIS 20080627 (430)