HONG KONG (SE): John Cardinal Tong Hon, the retired bishop of Hong Kong, set out for Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on October 4, where he is scheduled to preside at the concluding celebration of the 5th Eucharistic Congress of Taiwan.
Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Tong as his special envoy to the event on August 3. He is accompanied in his pontifical mission by Father Francis Xavier Huang, parish priest of the Most Holy Trinity, Pingtung; and Father Giovanni Battista Bergamo, prefect of studies of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Kaohsiung.
In a letter dated August 15 the pope asked that Cardinal Tong preside over the solemn conclusion of the Mass, and speak about the need for true fraternity to heal the world in the light of the gospel.
He asked that the cardinal convey his greetings to those present, especially to archbishop of Kaohsiung and brothers in the episcopate, priests, deacons, all members of the consecrated life and the lay faithful. Pope Francis asked Cardinal Tong to encourage those gathered to celebrate and worship the holy Eucharist with a fraternal spirit and sincere and mutual love, committing themselves together with the cares of life to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The pope offered assurances of his prayers. He imparted his blessings and asked that this be shared at the Eucharistic congress.
