ASIA/TAIWAN - In response to the Pope's call the Regional Bishops Conference in Taiwan launches a Year of St Paul together with celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Evangelisation

Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Taiwan have decided to combine celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the evangelisation of the area with a Year of St Paul in unity with the Year of St Paul announced by Pope Benedict XVI. The decision was taken during a plenary assembly in the diocese of Tai Nan at the end of November. Christian Life Weekly, reports that in 2009 the community of Tai Pei, will celebrate the 150th anniversary of evangelisation. The Pope announced a Year of St Paul from June 2008 to June 2009. The Bishops decided unanimously to prepare a joint celebration of Evangelisation and the Year of St Paul. Cardinal Paul Shan, despite his frail health and age (85), took part in the meeting and encouraged the younger members of the team, 8 local men, “a sign that the Church has taken root in Taiwan”. The many emeritus bishops are a source of wisdom and experience for the whole community. The meeting welcomed the new Archbishop of Tai Pei, Archbishop Hong Shan Chuna SVD, and the new Bishop of Tai Chung, Bishop Su Yao Wen, and elected Bishop Hong as the new president of the Conference, to replace Bishop Joseph Cheng, who has retired. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2007 - righe 22, parole 231)