Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taipei (Fides Service) – On 2 December the Catholic Church in Taiwan gathered around its Cardinal Paul Shan who was celebrating his 80th birthday. Messages arrived from near and far to congratulate the well loved servant of the Church Jesuit Cardinal Bishop of Kaoshiung who is also President of the Regional Conference of Chinese Bishops.
In his years of service the Cardinal has always sought to be a bridge between Chinese cultural and religious tradition and the rest of the world, with the universal Church and with other cultures and peoples in Asia. Deeply aware of the universal nature of the Catholic Church and despite poor health, Cardinal Shan has travelled the world to fulfil missions entrusted to him by the Synod of Bishops for Asia, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, the College of Cardinals etc. One of his most recognised and appreciated qualities is his humility. Since he reached the official age of retirement of 75 more than once Card. Shan offered his resignation to Pope John Paul II but was always confirmed in his mission. (NZ) (Fides Service 4/12/2003 Lines: 29 Words: 317)
