ASIA/CHINA - All Chinese Catholics united in preparation for May 24, Day of Prayer for the Church in China, in response to the Holy Father’s appeal

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The entire community of Chinese Catholics is preparing for May 24, feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, who is venerated in the Sheshan Shrine, and designated day of Prayer for the Church in China, in accord with the Holy Father Benedict XVI’s indications.
According to Christian Life Weekly, the weekly bulletin of the Archdiocese of Tai Pei, the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy in Taiwan has announced the May 24 celebration and has published texts for the Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary, which can be downloaded from the Bishops’ Conference’s website, for use in the Mass celebrated on that day.
In Hong Kong, in response to the Pope’s appeal, the diocese is praying a Novena in preparation for the Day, which began May 15 and is being especially promoted in churches dedicated to the Blessed Mother. On this occasion as well, the Diocese has planned a Eucharistic Procession (on May 24) and a procession with the statue of the Blessed Mother and the Cross (on May 25). The faithful of Hong Kong can obtain a plenary indulgence, in accordance with the conditions, until May 25.
On the continent, the faithful are in intense prayer, reciting the prayer written by Pope Benedict XVI and printed out by them, in order to live the Day as a response to the Holy Father’s indications, with the special intention of the earthquake victims. Every parish, especially those dedicated to the Blessed Mother, are praying the Novena prayer every day, along with a Rosary, in preparation for the feast on May 24. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 21/05/2008; righe 20, parole 263)