Kaohsiung: Card Tong brings Pope Francis's greeting to the Catholics of Taiwan
The bishop emeritus of Hong Kong participates as papal legate in the Fifth National Eucharistic Congress, which has as its theme of “Fraternity heals everything”.
Kaohsiung (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church in Taiwan yesterday held the key event of its Fifth National Eucharistic Congress at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center.
More than 10,000 Catholics from all over the island arrived in the southern city for this moment, centred on the theme of "Fraternity heals everyone".
As Pope Francis’s legate, Card John Tong Hon, Bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, led the rite. Through this, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to the Catholics of Taiwan.
The Eucharistic Congress followed a full year of catechesis and liturgical celebrations in local dioceses.
Special attention was given to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a sign of fraternity, which, as the theme suggests, is the only balm capable of healing the world.
A large exhibit on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of believers was also on display at the city’s Exhibition Center.
On the sidelines of the celebrations, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang met with Card Tong.
Bishop Emeritus Tong told Tien that he was struck by how quickly Taiwanese society returned to normal after Typhoon Krathon, which hit Kaohsiung hard a few days ago.
The catastrophe did not in any way dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the Catholics who had gathered around the Eucharist that heals and gives life.
For his part, the deputy minister stressed Taiwan's respect for religious freedom and diversity in society.
Despite the current challenges, the government and people of Taiwan continue to contribute to the world in terms of humanitarian aid and healthcare.
Tien also said that Taiwan and the Vatican would intensify their cooperation in the humanitarian field, building on the current positive relationship.
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