Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Chinese Catholics are painstakingly preparing for the celebration of a Holy Easter, above all, to offer a welcome of enthusiasm to the catechumens, who this Easter Vigil, will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. During these Lenten Sundays, the parishes have been taking part in the rite of Examinations in order to offer support to the catechumens in their journey towards the great Pascal Vigil. In Hong Kong, the catechumens are using the Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, to help them on their way, and the Catholics throughout the continent are helping them to receive this new life according to the Spirit.
According to Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), in Hong Kong, the parishes of Saint Francis, Saint Therese, and Saint Benedict all have catechumens. In these parishes, the proclamation of the Word of God and the Church’s prayer in light of Spe Salvi, during the examinations of the last 3 Sundays of Lent, help catechumens to be purified of their sins and to reaffirm their decision to follow Jesus. According to the diocesan records, an estimated 2,800 people will be baptized this Easter.
As well, on the continent they are intensifying preparations for the catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. One example is that of a 102-year-old grandmother named Xing Ji, from the town of Nan Tian (province of Zhao Xian), who was baptized on March 21, 2005, after completing a year of catechism classes. From that moment on, she always had a Rosary in her hand and prayer formed a part of her everyday life. Her testimony of a life lived in faith moved her daughter-in-law to begin studying catechism, as well. She is now a catechumen in her final preparatory stages and this Easter, like her mother-in-law, she will be baptized. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides; 3/3/2008; righe 24, parole 310)
