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Two years after Pope Benedict’s letter to Chinese Catholics, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone has followed up with a letter to China’s bishops and priests pointing to “signs of hope” but also saying that “it is still more a time of sowing than of reaping”.
The letter entitled “An Invitation to Hope” is believed to be a result of the meeting of the Holy See’s Commission for the Catholic Church in China held from March 30 to April 1, UCA News reports. Half of the meeting was devoted to the formation of seminarians, priests and Religious, and the on-going formation of priests.
Written for the Year for Priests, the letter was uploaded on the Vatican’s Fides Service and Vatican Radio websites on Nov. 16. The document, dated Nov. 10, reiterates the importance of reconciliation within the Catholic community and of a respectful and constructive dialogue with the civil authorities without renouncing Catholic principles.
While noting that many priests in the world share the same difficulties that mainland Chinese priests face, the cardinal’s letter encourages them to face the future with confidence.
Cardinal Bertone reminded the Chinese clergy to find strength from the Eucharist and advised bishops to ensure adequate formation for the clergy, especially young priests who are working alone.
Citing Pope Benedict’s letter, Cardinal Bertone said he wished “to emphasise reconciliation within the Catholic community and a respectful and constructive dialogue with the Civil Authorities, without renouncing the principles of the Catholic faith”.
“In this regard, despite the persisting difficulties, the information that has come from different parts of China points also to signs of hope.
“At a distance of only two years since the publication of the Papal Letter, it does not seem that the time has come to make definitive evaluations. Using the words of the great missionary of China, Fr Matteo Ricci, I believe we can say that it is still more a time of sowing than of reaping.
“Perhaps some of you were surprised by the Letter of the Pope to the Church in China. I assure you that the Holy See is aware of the complex and difficult situation in which you find yourselves,” Cardinal Bertone wrote.
SOURCE AND FULL TEXT OF DOCUMENT
Vatican stresses reconciliation in letter to China’s clergy (UCA News)
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