ASIA/TAIWAN - “Put out into the deep, participate in evangelization!”: Pastoral Letter 2010 from the Regional Bishops' Conference of Taiwan

Taiwan (Agenzia Fides) – Maintaining the spirit of the celebration of 150 years of evangelization in Taiwan, the Year for Priests, and commitment to environmental protection and the integrity of creation are the three main topics addressed by the Regional Episcopal Conference of Taiwan in their 2010 Pastoral Letter entitled "Put out into the deep, participate in evangelization!" Published with the date of Chinese New Year, the letter (a copy of which was sent to Fides) stresses: "There are still many people who need to know the Gospel of Christ. Being a Taiwanese Christian means to be a preacher of the Gospel ... we have to be concerned about our own spirituality, improve our knowledge of the catechism, Holy Scripture, theology." A special invitation is also addressed to the priests, on the occasion of the Year for Priests that is being celebrated around the world: "We hope that our priests and pastors may continue to grow in holiness and intelligence," because they "bring hope to a society that gives cause for concern.” Finally, the Bishops call for "the intercession of Mary, our tender Mother, in all our needs." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2010)