ASIA/CHINA - 1.3 billion “thank-yous” to the Holy Father from Chinese Catholics, on behalf of the entire Chinese population: “The Pope has given us an energy boost on all levels.”

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) “Thank you, Holy Father! 1.3 billion thank-yous! Allow us as Catholics to thank you on behalf of the entire Chinese population!,” a priest from Beijing told Agenzia Fides after having heard the appeal made by the Holy Father Benedict XVI at the General Audience on Wednesday, May 14, for China and those suffering from the earthquake aftermath. The priest said that “the Pope has given us an energy boost on all levels. We, the Catholic population, are already working on the frontline in the aid effort with prayers and with concrete actions, and the people and society has been very appreciative. With these affectionate words of the Pope, we will be even more well-received by all. He has transmitted us a spiritual strength that helps us in our mission of evangelization, in our integration into Chinese society.”
The Chinese periodicals on the continent and in Hong Kong have reported the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal for China, publishing the text of the message and the Pope’s photo. Many Chinese Catholics have heard the news by word of mouth, and have been moved and encouraged by it. One of them told Fides: “the Pope never ceases to amaze us. After the concert in the Vatican and the beautiful words of his message to the Chinese people during the concert, he has given us another gift that deeply moves our hearts. There is nothing more valuable than the spiritual closeness and prayer of the Pope for us. We thank the Holy Father on behalf of everyone: the Pope has made us feel even stronger.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/05/2008 - righe 19, parole 266)