Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Chinese Catholics on the mainland celebrated the beginning of the liturgical year, with the First Sunday of Advent, in union with the Holy Father and the Universal Church, preparing for the Lord's coming. In addition, for the Chinese community this time of the year is of special of importance, as it includes the feast of St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the Missions and of the mission in China, in this Year of St. Paul, which is being celebrated by the entire Church. Many communities, mainly thanks to the priests and religious who have studied outside the country, have adopted the Advent Wreath as a symbol of the four Sundays of Advent.
The faithful of the parish of Qing Cun, in Shaghai have made their first Advent Wreath by hand, following the instructions of the religious sisters there. It is also the first time that the faithful there have ever seen an Advent Wreath. During the Mass for the First Sunday of Advent, the priest explained the meaning of the wreath, and all the parishioners were surprised and amazed. During the celebration held on the evening of November 29, in the parish of Quan Zhou (Province of Fu Jian), the Advent Wreath was blessed and the priest encouraged the faithful to use the wreath in praying for the Lord's coming.
The Advent Wreath proceeds from a Lutheran tradition from eastern Germany, being used as a symbol of Advent by Christians since the 16th century. The wreath announces the nearing of the Christmas, inspiring community prayer. Just as in the natural world, the light dispels the darkness, Christ is the true light that arrives and overcomes the darkness of evil and death. The wreath is normally made of branches of fir or pine trees, symbolizing hope and life. The circle formed by the branches of the wreath is a symbol of eternity and unity. According to tradition, the four candles represent: the Prophesy, Bethlehem, the Shepherds, and the Angels. The candles are lit, one for each week, on Saturday evening or on Sunday, in the presence of the community or in the family. The lighting of the candles is accompanied by songs and invocations for the Lord's coming and later concludes with a song to Our Blessed Mother. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 2/12/2008)
