Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Fides Service) - The Kong Ko Bao bulletin of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong published obituary tributes for John Paul II written by the Bishop Joseph Zen and Auxiliary Bishop John Tong Hon. Bishop Zen wrote, among other things: “Farewell to a great and beloved world wide spiritual leader. To witness to the truth is the fundamental mission of the Church...the Holy Father courageously preached the Gospel of life emphasising the sacredness of marriage and the importance of family. He defended each human life from conception to its natural end. My feeling at this moment is one of deep gratitude and lofty praise to the Lord. He worked marvels through this Pope from far off Poland. Certainly one of his regrets was not having had the chance to visit China... Dear Holy Father, now that you are with the Father in heaven bless your flock in China. May the suffering on your deathbed complete your prayers and obtain the grace that the Chinese people may one day know Jesus Christ and be converted to God”.
The Auxiliary Bishop Tong thanked the Pope: “for the gift you have been to the Church and humanity... for your concern for vocations...for teaching us how to love China...for your example as an evangeliser with zeal and dedication. He concluded by saying “We are really proud of the leadership you have given us. While you enjoy well-deserved and everlasting peace with the heavenly Father and with Christ, whom you served so well, may you continue to guide us”.
(Agenzia Fides 05/04/2005 Righe: 33 Parole: 413)
