In a message to Chinese Catholics, the neo-Cardinal Joseph Zen exhorted them to be “patient”, although the country does not enjoy full freedom of worship yet. He said the red colour of his vestments recalled “the tears and blood of numerous, nameless, heroes of the Church” in China. These words were part of a homily given by the Cardinal yesterday in a Mass celebrated in Chinese and broadcast by Vatican Radio. He said: "My becoming a cardinal shows how much the Pope values people in China. The red colour I am wearing is meant to signify a cardinal’s willingness to shed blood. Yet it is not my blood that has been shed: it is the blood and the tears from the numerous, nameless, heroes in both the official and underground churches who have suffered for being faithful to the church.” He added that although there is not yet full religious freedom in the country, Chinese Catholics should be patient, helping to build a harmonious society and working for the “maturity” of the nation.

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