Rome, Italy, Sep 29, 2008 / 05:05 pm (CNA).- Bishop Jin Lu Xian of Shanghai in China is encouraging Catholics to imitate the missionary fervor of St. Paul in response to the challenges that the Church is facing in its daily life.

“Out on the street, there are many temptations. We come back home and upon turning on the television we are assaulted by violence and other unedifying content.  We connect to the internet and among the blogs and video games, it is not difficult to feel attracted,” the bishop said in a pastoral letter for the Pauline year.

According to the Fides news agency, in his letter the bishops expressed the bond between the Apostle and contemporary diocesan life. He recalled that St. Paul faced numerous challenges and wanted to conquer all for Christ.

Bishop Lu Xian also underscored that “in the adult Paul is revealed the main fruit of the life of this saint: Woe to me if I do not evangelize!”

Likewise, he indicated that the Pauline Year coincides with the 400th anniversary of the evangelization of the Diocese of Shanghai. “In 1950 our diocese had more than 390 churches, but only one dedicated to St. Paul. Therefore, I feel the need to help you get to know the Apostle Paul better,” the bishop said.

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