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| Chinese Catholics pray at the Wangfujing Cathedral during Christmas midnight mass in Beijing |
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 24, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Synod of Bishops has sent a message yesterday to Bishop Lucas Ly Jingeng of Fengxiang in mainland China, who was unable to attend the Synod in Rome. The Chinese prelate had written a letter to Pope Benedict XVI at the opening of the assembly assuring the Holy Father of his prayers for the success of the Synod.
"With great pleasure, the Synodal Fathers celebrating the XIII Ordinary Synod of Bishops on New Evangelization and the Transmission of Faith received your Letter, with which you wished to make your voice heard from within the Democratic Republic of China. Your intention was greatly appreciated, notwithstanding the fact that there are some Bishops coming from Hong Kong and Taiwan among the Synodal Fathers," the statement read.
The letter acknowledged the "suffering, the prayers and joy of being Christian in China", saying that it has encouraged Christians all over the world. While informing them of the events throughout the Synod, such as the 50thanniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the opening of the Year of Faith, the letter stated that while the Catholic Bishops of China could not intervene, they are considered "spiritually present" at the gathering of bishops.
"We ask all the Bishops, Priests and faithful of this great Nation to live the Year of the Faith with generosity and commitment. We thus recommend that the evangelization of the Chinese People and the re-evangelization of all those who have become lukewarm towards or lost their faith, be taken to heart in a special way," the letter stated.
The letter from the Synod of Bishops concluded by stating their desire the Church in China may be able to attend future synods in Rome.
"The Holy Father Benedict XVI sends a special blessing to you, to your priests and faithful, as well as to the entire, well-loved Church in China," the letter stated.
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