Rome, Italy, Jul 29, 2010 / 03:18 am
Catholic clergy of mainland China were encouraged in their work towards communion with Rome and greater unity in their communities this month. In a letter from the head of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, they were urged to "continue without fear on the path of holiness, unity and communion."
The congregation's prefect, Cardinal Ivan Dias, sent the letter to Chinese Catholic bishops and priests on July 5. The secretary of the department, Archbishop Robert Sarah, also signed the message, which was published by the congregation's news agency Fides on Thursday.
The cardinal prefect encouraged Chinese clergy in their duties "as shepherds of the flock," reminding them of Jesus' call for priests to be "not servants, but friends."
As an "alter Christus" on Earth, he explained, each has the task of being a "Man of God," distinguishing himself "as a man of prayer and an austere style of life, profoundly in love with Christ and … proud to proclaim His presence amongst us, especially in the Most Holy Eucharist."