Pope Formally Announces Year of St. Paul 2008-2009

From CNS:

Pope Benedict XVI announced a special jubilee year dedicated to St. Paul, saying the church needs modern Christians who will imitate the apostle’s missionary energy and spirit of sacrifice.

The pope said the Pauline year will run from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, to mark the approximately 2,000th anniversary of the saint’s birth.

He made the announcement while presiding over a vespers service at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome June 28, the eve of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, patron saints of Rome.

“Dear brothers and sisters, as in the (church’s) beginning, today, too, Christ needs apostles ready to sacrifice themselves. He needs witnesses and martyrs like St. Paul,” the pope said.

The Pauline year will feature numerous special liturgies and events in Rome, the pope said, but should also be celebrated in local churches and in the sanctuaries, religious orders and other institutions that have a special link to St. Paul.

In a special way, the Pauline year will be ecumenical, reflecting the saint’s commitment to the unity and harmony among all Christians, he said. The pope’s announcement was met with applause in the crowded basilica.

Also see: Pope Benedict said to plan examination of St. Paul’s Tomb

Letter to Catholic Chinese on Saturday

From The International Tribune:

Pope Benedict XVI’s eagerly awaited letter to Roman Catholics in China will be released on Saturday, the Vatican said, the pontiff’s latest effort to reach out to Beijing and bring all of China’s faithful into the Vatican’s fold.

A Vatican statement issued Friday said the pope’s letter — addressed to bishops, priests and lay faithful in China — would be released at noon Saturday (1000 GMT).