Kevin Wang

Beatification would be a good way to conclude the synod dedicated to the Word of God. Fr Gabriele Allegra, a Franciscan missionary to China and Hong Kong, is known as the “Saint Jerome of China” for translating the Holy Scriptures into Chinese. The Vatican knows of one miracle attributed to him, but the cause of beatification is still waiting.

After years of a close working relationship, the new bishop will be Cardinal Zen’s designated successor. He is hopeful that during his term new vocations will blossom in the diocese, and that the Church in Hong Kong will be able to make a greater commitment to reconciliation in China, to religious freedom and to co-operation in support of the mainland’s development.

In a document signed by the leaders of all the Churches present in the Territory the government is asked to improve language training as the best way to integrate newcomers; the leaders also remind the faithful that racism is a sin to be strongly condemned.

Archbishop Nikitas Lulias, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South-East Asia, has invited the Chinese government to recognise Orthodoxy among the country’s official religions and he expressed concern about the plight of Christians in Asia.

After ten years from the Hong Kong’s reunification with its motherland – China, bishop Zen encouraged the faithful to go out into the streets to appeal for universal suffrage. An invite to be near to the poor people.

Marking the anniversary of the repression of the anti-corruption pro-democracy movement, the bishop of Hong Kong led a prayer meeting for democracy in Hong Kong and China, in the lead up to the evening vigil remembering the victims held in Victoria Park.

Hong Kong bishop fears a propagandistic use of the patriotic bishop’s funeral. Patriotic Association and the Religious Affairs Bureau are pushing for new episcopal ordinations “independent” of the Vatican

The death of Professor John Billings, who through his research into natural family planning methods helped avoid tens of thousands of abortions. Currently his method, which is approved by Beijing, is used by over three and a half million Chinese couples.

The Cardinal turned 75 last January but Benedict XVI has not accepted his resignation and has asked him to collaborate with the Holy See from the Territory “to participate in concerns for the Church in China.”

The conference's draft mission statement is released today. Its key topic is the family, source of strength for young people. For the first time young Turkmen participate in the even. Young East Timorese are however prevented from coming by their country's internal strife.

Over 58,000 strongly motivated people participated in the march for democracy. Police have sought to scale down the figures.