Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taipei (Fides Service) - “Prayer deepens our relationship with God; fasting helps us draw closer to Him; charity makes us more like Him”, Archbishop Joseph Cheng of Taipei told his people in a Pastoral Letter for Lent dated 12 March, the diocesan bulletin Christian Life Weekly reported. In the letter the Archbishop illustrated six pastoral priorities for plan for 2006: vocation formation; reorganisation of parishes; pastoral visitation; organise a diocesan pastoral office; implement guidelines contained in a Bishops’ Conference pastoral letter “Eucharist - source and summit of the life and mission of the parish”; improve diocesan finance system.
The Archbishop also shared some thoughts with his people: “It was in Lent that I was ordained a bishop and in Lent that I was appointed archbishop. I think the Lord wanted to show me how to carry the Cross following his example. Let us pray for the archdiocese of Taipei and that the Holy See will soon give us an auxiliary Bishop to help with pastoral care and evangelisation”.
According to the Directory of the Catholic Church in Taiwan 2004 the archdiocese of Taipei has 82,903 Catholics in 72 parishes, assisted by 301 priests, 53 Brothers 374 Sisters 14 catechists and it runs 74 schools, 16 centres for medical care and social assistance, it circulates 16 publications and has its own radio station. (Agenzia Fides 15/03/2006 Righe: 26 Parole: 261)
