Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kao Hsiung (Agenzia Fides) – Father Ruben Martinez, Vicar Regional Superior of Saint Joseph in Taiwan, of the Santa Rosa Province of the Dominican Order, playing the role of Dominican Father Fernando Sainz, OP on an “Evangelization Boat” in the port of Takao (modern-day Kao Hsiung), initiated the festivities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the evangelization of Taiwan on May 17 of this year, in the Diocese of Kao Hsiung.
According to a report from Christian Life Weekly, the weekly bulletin for the Archdiocese of Tai Pei, all the Bishops of the island took part in the solemn celebration that was both an ecumenical and interreligious event. The Catholics were joined, in fact, by representatives from various Christian communities (Protestants, Methodists, Presbyterians) and other religions (Buddhists and Daoists), that wished to share in this historical moment for the Church in Taiwan. Bishop Peter Liu of the Diocese of Kao Hsiung, in recalling the beginnings of Christianity in Taiwan, expressed his utmost gratitude to Fr. Fernando Sainz, OP, the first Dominican missionary to evangelize the island 150 years ago. Cardinal Paul Shan, Bishop emeritus of Kao Hsiung, in spite of his illness also took part in the celebration, encouraging all the Taiwanese Catholics to imitate the pioneers of evangelization and expressing his hope that the number of faithful will reach a million at the celebration for the 200th anniversary of the evangelization. Archbishop John Hung, SVD, of Taipei spoke on the response of the Catholic Church in Taiwan to the signs of the times, with a particular attention to social needs. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2008)
