austraLasia 1461
Widespread positive reaction to news of China's new cardinal
HONG KONG: 23rd January -- Cardinal-elect Zen will be only the sixth Chinese cardinal in the history of the Church. He will be the only one of the two alive (Cardinal Shan, recently retired in Taiwan, is the other) under the age of 80. Immediate reaction to his nomination, especially in China, has been generally positive. The People's Daily Online, however, has so far made no comment at all.
AsiaNews reports on reactions in China, where as one example of the reaction, unofficial Bishop Wei of Qiqihar, said "It is a great joy. As soon as I heard the new I quickly phoned Hong Kong to congratulate him in person". The new cardinal-to-be, put his own reaction in very simple terms: "The Pope loves China". Bishop Zen had written to the Pope only last month, offering his resignation once he turns 75 (next year). The Pope replied to him by handwritten letter, and we now know at least some of the contents of that letter! The cardinal-elect appreciated not only the affection and warmth of the letter, but made one other telling comment about his appointment: “This appointment is a mark of approval for what I have done so far, a confirmation that we have not lost our bearings. The Pope knows all about the positions we have taken. This decision is reassuring as well an indication of support".
In what amounts to a litany of praise for the new Cardinal and his contribution in that role to the Chinese Church, a priest-researcher at the Holy Spirit Centre in Hong Kong says: "Zen is the best candidate because he knows China, he is known among Chinese Catholics. He knows the Chinese Catholic community better than any other; many of his students are now priests and bishops across China. Zen can represent the voice of the Chinese Church in the universal Church and with the Holy Father. He upholds the social teaching of the Church. He has many copies of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the church, which he distributes with enthusiasm. He has often spoken out clearly on social justice and freedom of worship. He also knows the Holy See, the universal Church; he has participated in various synods. He is a worthy theologian. So he will bring benefits for the Chinese Church. He will be able to further the process of evangelisation, of dialogue with Chinese culture and of inculturation".
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AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For RSS feeds, subscribe to www.bosconet.aust.com/rssala.xml
Widespread positive reaction to news of China's new cardinal
HONG KONG: 23rd January -- Cardinal-elect Zen will be only the sixth Chinese cardinal in the history of the Church. He will be the only one of the two alive (Cardinal Shan, recently retired in Taiwan, is the other) under the age of 80. Immediate reaction to his nomination, especially in China, has been generally positive. The People's Daily Online, however, has so far made no comment at all.
AsiaNews reports on reactions in China, where as one example of the reaction, unofficial Bishop Wei of Qiqihar, said "It is a great joy. As soon as I heard the new I quickly phoned Hong Kong to congratulate him in person". The new cardinal-to-be, put his own reaction in very simple terms: "The Pope loves China". Bishop Zen had written to the Pope only last month, offering his resignation once he turns 75 (next year). The Pope replied to him by handwritten letter, and we now know at least some of the contents of that letter! The cardinal-elect appreciated not only the affection and warmth of the letter, but made one other telling comment about his appointment: “This appointment is a mark of approval for what I have done so far, a confirmation that we have not lost our bearings. The Pope knows all about the positions we have taken. This decision is reassuring as well an indication of support".
In what amounts to a litany of praise for the new Cardinal and his contribution in that role to the Chinese Church, a priest-researcher at the Holy Spirit Centre in Hong Kong says: "Zen is the best candidate because he knows China, he is known among Chinese Catholics. He knows the Chinese Catholic community better than any other; many of his students are now priests and bishops across China. Zen can represent the voice of the Chinese Church in the universal Church and with the Holy Father. He upholds the social teaching of the Church. He has many copies of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the church, which he distributes with enthusiasm. He has often spoken out clearly on social justice and freedom of worship. He also knows the Holy See, the universal Church; he has participated in various synods. He is a worthy theologian. So he will bring benefits for the Chinese Church. He will be able to further the process of evangelisation, of dialogue with Chinese culture and of inculturation".
___________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For RSS feeds, subscribe to www.bosconet.aust.com/rssala.xml
