From April 23 to 25, the Commission established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 will
meet in the Vatican to study the issues of greatest importance for the life of the
Catholic Church in China. The Commission is composed of the Superiors of those Dicasteries
of the Roman Curia competent in the area as well as some representatives of the Chinese
episcopate and religious congregations.
Previous meetings focused on the theme
of the formation of seminarians, priests and consecrated persons. This year, however,
the formation of the lay faithful will be considered in the light of the situation
of the Catholic community in China and in the framework of the "Year of Faith," which
will be celebrated throughout the Church from 11 October 2012 to 24 November 2013.
Attention will be paid to the progress made in formation programs for priests, seminarians
and consecrated persons, and what remains to be done for their adequate preparation
for the forms of service which they are called to perform within the Church and for
the good of society.