John Paul II Writes to Hong Kong's Cardinal Wu
VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 1997 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office today published a letter written by Pope John Paul to Cardinal John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung, bishop of Hong Kong, on the occasion of the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty. The letter, written in English, was dated June 24, solemnity of St. John the Baptist.
A note accompanying the letter states: "To show his spiritual and prayerful closeness to the Catholic community of Hong Kong and to all those who are living this event of historic importance, John Paul II has sent (the following) message to the diocese of Hong Kong":
"The return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty on 1 July next is an event of historic consequences for the Chinese people, but also an important and significant moment for the diocesan community entrusted to your pastoral care. It is an event therefore to be lived in a spirit of faith, in an attitude of prayer and trust in Divine Providence which mysteriously guides the course of human history.
"In the 156 years of its existence - first as an Apostolic Prefecture, then as an Apostolic Vicariate and finally as a diocese - the Church in Hong Kong has grown in dignity and gained ever increasing respect in society through its generous service of the people. The proclamation of the good news of the Father's love, manifested in Jesus Christ, and solidarity with man and with his history have been, and continue to be, the mainstay of the Catholic presence in Hong Kong. That presence is effective in many fields, and aims at fostering religious, moral, cultural and social values by means of an extensive network of diocesan bodies, religious communities, educational institutions and charitable and welfare centers which enjoy universal esteem.
"In this wonderful work, the Catholics of Hong Kong have been guided by that Gospel spirit which the Apostle Peter expressed in the words which he addressed to the crippled man near the gate of the Temple: 'I have no gold and silver, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk'. In fact, in the fulfillment of her mission in the world, the Church is 'inspired by no earthly ambition, (and she) seeks but a solitary goal: to carry forward under the lead of the befriending Spirit the work of Christ himself, who came into the world to bear witness to the truth, to rescue and not to sit in judgment, to serve and not to be served'.
"This service of evangelization and practical solidarity must not cease, and indeed it will surely increase now that the diocese of Hong Kong is called, even more than before, to be in the midst of the Chinese nation the 'city set on a hill' and 'the lamp on a stand'. In the new historical circumstances, the Catholic community's mission will be to accompany all on the path towards further gains in social advancement, peace and solidarity.
"I am close in prayers to Your Eminence, to the Bishops your collaborators, the clergy, men and women religious, and the entire diocesan community, as well as to people of goodwill. My thoughts also go to the Catholics of mainland China, who at this time are united in a particular way with their brothers and sisters in the faith living in Hong Kong. Upon all of you I invoke the abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit and the protection of Mary, Help of Christians.
"With this good wish I send my affectionate greeting to you, Venerable Brother, and ask you to convey the assurance of my closeness in spirit and in prayer to those who on 1 July will join you in the Solemn Eucharistic Concelebration in the cathedral and to all those who are living this historic event.
"To each member of your dear Catholic community, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing."
JPII-LETTER/RETURN HONG KONG/CHINA:WU VIS 970627 (650)