Since the Synod is dedicated to the whole of Asia, the Fathers will certainly turn their attention to China and its people, the most numerous in the world. The Church in China is in a very complex situation. The Synod Fathers, by virtue of their collegiality, cannot fail to show their concern for the Church in China, and this is indispensable. I would like to complete and correct the first affirmation. The Congregation is concerned not only for priests and religious but also for catechists.
Catechists are the chief force in missionary proclamation, above all because they are so numerous.
Today we support no less than 420-470 thousand Catechists, all lay people. Some years ago we issued a very useful Guide for Catechists, with indications for pastoral work and missionary spirituality. By means of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Congregation supports countless Institutes for the Formation of Catechists. Here in Rome we have the Mater Ecclesiae College where 90 catechists follow a two-year course and, in turn, form other catechists in the various mission territories. Then we also have a whole world of voluntary lay people.