Church in China showing signs of hope, Cardinal Bertone says in letter to priests

(Nov.17, 2009): The Church in China is showing signs of hope, said Vatican Secretary of State in a letter to priests in the country. Taking the occasion of this Year dedicated to priests, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said efforts for reconciliation within the Catholic community and for a respectful and constructive dialogue with government authorities in China, have led to signs of hope despite persisting difficulties. The letter dated Nov. 10 was released by the Vatican on Monday.(Nov.16)
Cardinal Bertone touched on the many duties and challenges facing priests, and how pastors in China could better minister to their people and continue efforts for reconciliation with Catholic clergy, who are recognized by the government but have not requested recognition from the Pope. Catholics in China are a tiny flock among a large number of people, who either believe in other religions, or are indifferent or even hostile toward God and religion, he wrote. It can be easy for the clergy to be overwhelmed by all that they must do, the letter said. Yet, there are some very practical ways priests can make a valuable contribution for example by visiting Catholic and non-Catholic families frequently, as well as villages, and showing concern for people's needs. They could increase efforts to prepare and train good catechists and make use of charitable services directed especially to children and to sick and old people. They could also organize special gatherings where Catholics could invite their non-Catholic relatives and friends, in order to become better acquainted with the Catholic Church and Christian faith, and distribute Catholic literature to non-Catholics.
In his letter, Cardinal Bertone told priests that the Eucharist is a crucial source of strength for carrying out their ministry. A truly Eucharistic community is not a closed, self-sufficient community but must stay in communion with every other Catholic community, the letter said. Cardinal Bertone said the church has experienced internal divisions since its very beginnings. There is an urgent need to help the faithful, including religious, deepen their Christian formation because the lack of human maturity, self-control and inner harmony is the most frequent source of misunderstandings, lack of cooperation and conflicts within Catholic communities, Cardinal Bertone wrote in his letter to priests in China.