PAPAL MESSAGE TO CATHOLICS IN CHINA FOR JUBILEE YEAR

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today in Chinese, Italian and English was Pope John Paul's Message to Catholics in China on the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. The Message is dated December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

"Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Catholic Church in China," the Pope writes, "All Catholics of Chinese origin are close to my heart as Pastor of the universal Church, but at this time I urgently wish to address in a special way the Shepherds and faithful of mainland China, who cannot as yet show forth, in a full and visible way, their communion with this Apostolic See."

He observes that "together with the faithful throughout the world who are preparing to celebrate the Jubilee, ... you have responded to the invitation of the Successor of Peter ... and are approaching this event in faith."

The Jubilee, he writes, celebrates the 2,000th anniversary of "the birth of Jesus (which) took place in a province of Palestine, an Asian land at the crossroads of the great cultural exchanges of East and West. ... The name given to the newborn child - Jesus, 'God gives salvation' - is a synthesis of his mission and a promise for the whole human race." During his life, Jesus "proclaimed the good news of salvation." After his death and "before his return to the Father, he commanded his disciples to ... 'go therefore and teach all nations'."

Pope John Paul points out that "as early as the fifth and sixth centuries groups of Syrian monks crossed central Asia and brought the name of Jesus to your forebears. ... The Gospel message, proclaimed in those distant beginnings, has lost none of its relevance and it invites and impels you to make it known to those who have not yet received it. ... I realize you feel unequal to such a great and demanding mission, but you know that you can count on the victorious power of Christ, who promises you his presence and help."

The Jubilee, the Holy Father continues, "will be an occasion for remembering the apostolic labors, the sufferings, the tears and the shedding of blood which have been part of the Church's journey among the people of every time. In your midst, too, the blood of your martyrs has become the seed of a multitude of authentic disciples of Jesus. ... And it seems that the time of trial, in some places, has not yet come to an end!"

"I rejoiced," the Pope then says, "when I learned that you intend your most precious gift on the occasion of the Great Jubilee to be unity among yourselves and unity with the Successor of Peter."

He points out that the "practical commitments that will evidence your striving for spiritual conversion and renewal must include charity towards your brothers and sisters in the traditional form of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. ... Thus you will give eloquent testimony to the name of Christian. ... As good Chinese and authentic Christians, you love your country and you love your Church, both local and universal. ... Be a good leaven for your people, despite your small numbers!"

Pope John Paul closes by "embracing, together with you, all the Chinese Catholics living outside of mainland China."

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