China's rectors and spiritual directors attend audience of Pope Benedict XVI
Vatican City (AsiaNews) During his audience today, Pope Benendict XVI greeted a group of Chinese priests from the People's Republic of China. This was the pope's first audience in Paul VI Hall following his return from a summer break in Val d'Aosta.
Seated in the front row, the group in turn greeted the pope, singing and clapping. According to information received by AsiaNews, around 20 priests, rectors and spiritual directors were present, coming from several seminaries of China's official Church.
The group arrived in Rome last Sunday from St Oktilien in Germany, where they took part in a week of refresher courses on seminary education.
According to latest available statistics, there are some 1000 seminarians in 19 official seminaries and five preparatory seminaries in China. The unofficial (or underground) church has around 800 seminarians.
For the former group, formation is restricted by strict government controls through the Patriotic Association; the latter face difficulties arising from the risk inherent in working in unrecognized structures held illegal by the government.
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