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MESSAGE FROM FATHER LAURENCE, August 2007
    Greetings from Fr Laurence  in China.
    I have just finished a week of retreats for sisters in a diocese near Beijing. Apart from my first
    night's feast of roast donkey it has been an inspiring time for me. The sisters look about 18 but
    most are pediatricians or radiologists with which qualifications they serve a network of
    diocesan medical clinics in the poorest parts of the diocese - the millions of poor who are not
    sharing in the economic boom that benefits a small minority. The PR for the Olympics present
    a picture of liberal tolerance but the reality of oppression of religion is still here and threatens
    to increase.

    I was unable to leave the compound of the convent during my stay for this reason. The sisters
    and seminarians live very poorly but radiate joy and generosity. Their openness to meditation
    was inspiring and moving and they intend to start groups to support each other in the convent
    and the clinics.

    Liz King the China coordinator who is with me will continue to nurture these small seeds of our
    community which are growing here. The Bishop would like to send some young people to join
    in our presence at the World Youth Day in Sydney next year if we can find funding. Please keep
    these brave and joyous members of the young Chinese church in your hearts so that we as a
    community can help them to grow as we ourselves are stimulated and encouraged by their
    zeal and energy of faith.

    I meet in Shamghai with some seminarians who are already meditating and then go on to Hong
    Kong and Taiwan. There are some frustrations in the mechanics of life and travel here but the
    overall impact is the joy of seeing another part of the Body of Christ leap into life.

    Much love,




    Laurence