By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-01-14 20:01:16 | Updated at 2025-01-18 05:06:31
3 days ago
CV NEWS FEED // Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, celebrated his 93rd birthday Jan. 13 and thanked God for his health.
“Since my serious illness last year, every day that follows has been a gift from God, and I thank Him deeply,” the Cardinal posted on X. “I also thank everyone for the birthday blessings you have given to this 93-year-old.”
The Cardinal added that his prayer intentions for the year focus especially on those living through war, natural disasters, and other hardships, and for the souls of those who have died.
“May all people experience the peace that God bestows. I also earnestly hope that the Church will follow the teachings of Jesus,” he added.
Since my serious illness last year, every day that follows has been a gift from God, and I thank Him deeply. I also thank everyone for the birthday blessings you have given to this 93-year-old.
This year, I especially pray for those suffering in war, under natural disasters,… pic.twitter.com/VHc4yjRvWo
Throughout his [career], Cardinal Zen has been a staunch defender of the rights of Catholics in China and has recently expressed concern over the growing trend of the “synodal” model in the Church.
CatholicVote reported that in a November 2024 book, however, the Cardinal urged people to maintain hope.
“In the present situation,” he wrote, “where so many things have been taken away from us, the one thing that must not be taken away from us is precisely hope.”
