Pope John Paul II 25th

CRBC Document

25th Anniversary of His Holiness Pope John Paul II’s election and elevation as Pontiff
October 19, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all! On October 16, 1978, our Pope John Paul II was elected successor of St. Peter, head of the Apostles and was officially sworn into office on October 22nd. This year marks the 25 th anniversary of his pontificate. It is but worthy and appropriate that the Universal Church and men of good will celebrate this event with enthusiasm and festivities. First of all, we offer our gratitude to God who, at the turning point of human history, has given the Church a spiritual guide of exemplary holiness, who is highly cultured and educated, imbued with pastoral and evangelization zeal, determined and outstanding. At the time of his election, materialism, atheism, dictatorship and Church persecution were at their heights. One third of the world’s population lived under a dictatorial government without religious freedom. His election revived in humanity the hope and light of religious freedom. It gave his homeland, Poland, and other East European countries the courage to strive for religious freedom and basic human rights. Due to his influence, not only dictatorial governments in Europe that oppressed religious freedom collapsed and disintegrated, there are also signs of religious tolerance from government of other areas that are materialistic, dictatorial and atheistic. We also offer our gratitude to God who, after the Second Vatican Council, has given to the small boat of Peter - the Church - a wise, persistent, courageous and exceptional steersman. He discerns clearly the truth, defends moral virtues, holds firmly to the Christian doctrine, walks and moves on valiantly and steadily in the midst of furious tempests of diverse and confused opinions. In the defense of social justice, concern for the small and the weak, in protecting human rights, upholding democracy and promoting world peace, his Holiness Pope John Paul II is not only the guide for the Catholic Church, he is also the spokesman for all the upright and men of good will in the world; he represents the conscience of humanity. As the Universal Church celebrates with great rejoicing the Silver Jubilee of the Holy Father’s Pontiff, let us earnestly pray for his intentions and beseech God to bless and protect him, granting him good health and greater holiness. May God also bestow upon him the necessary strength so that he can continue to guide Peter’s small boat for many more years; defend and uphold moral virtues; promote social justice and foster world peace. On Sunday, October 19, the Universal Church will solemnly celebrate in Rome the Silver Jubilee of the Pope’s election and elevation as Pontiff. On that day, besides other celebrations, the Cardinals from all over the world and Bishop delegates from different countries will concelebrate with His Holiness Pope John Paul II. On the same day, the Church all over the world will make simultaneously solemn celebrations with festivities and Eucharistic Celebrations. The Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference in Taiwan has decided on the followings: that on the 19 th of October, every parish in all the dioceses will offer the Holy Mass for the intentions of the Holy Father and offer thanksgiving to God together with the Pope and the whole Church. We will beseech the Lord to bless and protect our Pope so that he may continue to guide the Church and all mankind towards a better world, a world more pleasing to God. Besides the Eucharistic Celebrations and other festivities that will take place on October 19, the Apostolic Nunciature in China is inviting the clergy, religious congregations and the laity to attend a solemn Eucharistic Celebration on October 22 at 5:00 p.m. at Holy Family Church in Taipei. Please do your best to participate. Moreover, there will be a concert at Chiang Kai Shek National Concert Hall on December 1 at 7:30 p.m. This year is “Year of the Rosary”. During October, the Holy Rosary month, everyone is invited to pray at least four whole rosaries, of the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries respectively for the intentions of the Holy Father. Let us also remember the Pope’s intentions in our daily prayers, bible reading, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Way of the Cross and other spiritual activities. We can also offer some sacrifices, services, acts of love and other good works. The best present that is most agreeable to the Church will be the putting into practice of “Forming Evangelizing Families in Faith, Hope and Love”. Last year, this was the most important present offered to the Holy Father by the bishops during their ad limina visit. He appreciated it deeply and accepted it with immense joy. Besides our prayers and offerings, let us take concrete steps to sanctify ourselves and our families, and make specific actions to go out and evangelize, in order to lead others to know God and accept the Good News, so that they may receive baptism, join the Church and receive salvation in becoming God’s children. May God bless the Pope with good spiritual and physical health! Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference September 30, 2003

25th Anniversary of His Holiness Pope John Paul II’s election and elevation as Pontiff

October 19, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

On October 16, 1978, our Pope John Paul II was elected successor of St. Peter, head of the Apostles and was officially sworn into office on October 22nd. This year marks the 25 th anniversary of his pontificate. It is but worthy and appropriate that the Universal Church and men of good will celebrate this event with enthusiasm and festivities.

First of all, we offer our gratitude to God who, at the turning point of human history, has given the Church a spiritual guide of exemplary holiness, who is highly cultured and educated, imbued with pastoral and evangelization zeal, determined and outstanding. At the time of his election, materialism, atheism, dictatorship and Church persecution were at their heights. One third of the world’s population lived under a dictatorial government without religious freedom. His election revived in humanity the hope and light of religious freedom. It gave his homeland, Poland, and other East European countries the courage to strive for religious freedom and basic human rights. Due to his influence, not only dictatorial governments in Europe that oppressed religious freedom collapsed and disintegrated, there are also signs of religious tolerance from government of other areas that are materialistic, dictatorial and atheistic.

We also offer our gratitude to God who, after the Second Vatican Council, has given to the small boat of Peter - the Church - a wise, persistent, courageous and exceptional steersman. He discerns clearly the truth, defends moral virtues, holds firmly to the Christian doctrine, walks and moves on valiantly and steadily in the midst of furious tempests of diverse and confused opinions. In the defense of social justice, concern for the small and the weak, in protecting human rights, upholding democracy and promoting world peace, his Holiness Pope John Paul II is not only the guide for the Catholic Church, he is also the spokesman for all the upright and men of good will in the world; he represents the conscience of humanity.

As the Universal Church celebrates with great rejoicing the Silver Jubilee of the Holy Father’s Pontiff, let us earnestly pray for his intentions and beseech God to bless and protect him, granting him good health and greater holiness. May God also bestow upon him the necessary strength so that he can continue to guide Peter’s small boat for many more years; defend and uphold moral virtues; promote social justice and foster world peace.

On Sunday, October 19, the Universal Church will solemnly celebrate in Rome the Silver Jubilee of the Pope’s election and elevation as Pontiff. On that day, besides other celebrations, the Cardinals from all over the world and Bishop delegates from different countries will concelebrate with His Holiness Pope John Paul II. On the same day, the Church all over the world will make simultaneously solemn celebrations with festivities and Eucharistic Celebrations. The Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference in Taiwan has decided on the followings: that on the 19 th of October, every parish in all the dioceses will offer the Holy Mass for the intentions of the Holy Father and offer thanksgiving to God together with the Pope and the whole Church. We will beseech the Lord to bless and protect our Pope so that he may continue to guide the Church and all mankind towards a better world, a world more pleasing to God.

Besides the Eucharistic Celebrations and other festivities that will take place on October 19, the Apostolic Nunciature in China is inviting the clergy, religious congregations and the laity to attend a solemn Eucharistic Celebration on October 22 at 5:00 p.m. at Holy Family Church in Taipei. Please do your best to participate. Moreover, there will be a concert at Chiang Kai Shek National Concert Hall on December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

This year is “Year of the Rosary”. During October, the Holy Rosary month, everyone is invited to pray at least four whole rosaries, of the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries respectively for the intentions of the Holy Father. Let us also remember the Pope’s intentions in our daily prayers, bible reading, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Way of the Cross and other spiritual activities. We can also offer some sacrifices, services, acts of love and other good works.

The best present that is most agreeable to the Church will be the putting into practice of “Forming Evangelizing Families in Faith, Hope and Love”. Last year, this was the most important present offered to the Holy Father by the bishops during their ad limina visit. He appreciated it deeply and accepted it with immense joy. Besides our prayers and offerings, let us take concrete steps to sanctify ourselves and our families, and make specific actions to go out and evangelize, in order to lead others to know God and accept the Good News, so that they may receive baptism, join the Church and receive salvation in becoming God’s children.

May God bless the Pope with good spiritual and physical health!

Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference

September 30, 2003

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