LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- California's bishops have issued a statement of appreciation for the work and ministry of women religious in the nation's most populous state.

Adopted Oct. 29 during the semi-annual meeting of the California Catholic Conference, the statement acknowledged "with profound gratitude the contributions of these women of the Gospel who have lived and served in the Catholic dioceses and archdioceses of California."

The statement was accompanied by a letter from Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles and was sent to communities of women religious across the state.

"We are all aware of the special anxieties which surround our women religious these days and I am writing to offer you my prayers of gratitude and my support for all of your members," the cardinal wrote.

"The bishops of California met last week and passed a statement of support for all of you, and I am pleased to send a copy of that statement to you," he continued.

Cardinal Mahony cited the two centuries of ministry the sisters have offered to the people of California. He credited the sisters for establishing schools, hospitals and other facilities and said they likely would not have existed without the sisters' presence.

The Catholic Church's "history of outreach after the example of Jesus Christ and the Gospels would not exist today without your initiatives and creativity," he wrote.

The bishops cited the work of the sisters across the state in ministering to diverse communities facing ever-changing societal, economic and political conditions.

"For nearly 200 years they have been faithful disciples and co-workers in bringing the message of the Gospel to the western regions of our country," the bishops said.

The bishops concluded their statement by thanking women religious for being "our 'sisters,' for their presence among us, for their witness to the richness and varied gifts of the Spirit and for the difference they have made in our lives."

"They have blessed us. We assure them of our sincere support and of our grateful prayers," the statement said.

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Note: The full text of the California Catholic Conference statement can be read online at www.cacatholic.org.

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