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From Fides ServiceFeb. 2, 2009
Authentic improvement in Christian formation, creative
evangelization, a thorough work in neighborhoods, reaching out to the mainland,
praying with devotion...these are the 5 main guidelines for the Jubilee Year of
Evangelization, offered by the Bishops of Taiwan to Catholics on the island, in
their Pastoral Letter.
In the Letter, dated January 11, 2009, Feast of the Lord's Baptism, and
entitled: “Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Evangelization, imitating Saint
Paul on a mission of evangelization in every area.” The Bishops analyze the
present social and ecclesial situation in four chapters: 1. Pain and concern,
joys and hopes of the people of Taiwan; 2. The Year of Saint Paul and the
Jubilee Celebration of the Evangelization of the Church of Taiwan; 3. Guidelines
for the Celebration of the Jubilee Year of Evangelization; 4. Conclusion.
In the first part, which analyzes the aspects of the present situation, the
Bishops highlighted the importance of the “return to the Gospel of Christ, which
is the only way for the world to reach its fullness according to God's plan.”
The teachings of Saint Paul are the response par excellence to a world which is
increasingly more multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and globilized. Furthermore,
“reconciling oneself with God, with Creation, with mankind, is the objective way
to proceed.”
In the second part, in which they refer to the Year of Saint Paul and the
jubilee for the evangelization of the Church in Taiwan, they also recall the
great contribution of the missionaries, especially the Dominicans. Today,
volunteers, the lay faithful, should take an active role in the Church's life,
inspiring a greater openness of the community, which “is relatively closed.” The
Bishops also mentioned 5 main guidelines for the Jubilee Year of Evangelization,
which we mentioned above.
Lastly, the Pastors of Taiwan have asked all the faithful to link the mission of
the Church with the traditional celebration of Chinese New Year. They encouraged
the faithful to follow the example of Saint Paul - “cast into the deep with
courage to fish” - and called on the intercession of Our Lady, Help of
Christians, “model of all disciples and bright Star of Evangelization” (Ecclesia
in Asia, 51), so that with her intercession and our effort “the fruits of
evangelization will blossom in Taiwan.” As it was nearing the celebration of the
Chinese New Year, in concluding their Letter, they wished “everyone a good year,
full of the Lord's Grace.” (NZ)
