Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shang Hai (Agenzia Fides) - “The celebration has ended, but the work of evangelization continues on...in the spirit of Saint Paul. We pray for the evangelization of our Diocese of Shang Hai, the Church in China, and the universal Church...we also pray for these two new priests that have been ordained today, that they may have the same spirit of determination as Saint Paul, so they can carry out their mission of evangelization.” With these words, the Auxiliary Bishop Xing Wen Zhi of Shang Hai concluded the solemn celebration held for the 400th anniversary of the evangelization of the Diocese. During the Mass, celebrated on December 6 in the Cathedral, there were also two new diocesan priests. Over 3,000 faithful participated in the liturgy.
The two new priests, who are both named Joseph, were deeply moved and gave thanks to all those present, saying, “we feel like we are completely in God's hands now, enveloped in the Lord's grace. Our vocation is fruit of everyone's efforts. Thanks to you, we can come before the Lord and promise that the only thing we wish to do is to serve the Lord!”
In the celebration, Bishop Xing presented an overview of the year of celebrations, highlighting the rich spiritual significance of the year 2008. This year also featured the celebration of the First World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, declared by the Holy Father on the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, May 24, whose Shrine is located at She Shan, in the Diocese of Shang Hai, which began its 400th anniversary celebration on March 1, with the theme: “Thanksgiving, Conversion, Evangelization.”
For the entire month of May, the Diocese organized a series of activities at the Shrine to Our Lady of She Shan, following the Pope's instructions. On June 21, there was an ordination of deacons for the diocese in the Cathedral; on September 27, there was a seminar and a Congress on the 400th anniversary of the evangelization of Shang Hai; on October 25, there was a display on the celebration; on November 13-14, there was a study session for all the diocesan priests on the missionary spirit of St. Paul, followed by a Seminary on the diocese's evangelization. On November 15, there was a sacred music concert given in the Cathedral. In the meantime, the Diocese also began the Year of St. Paul, in union with the universal Church. The Bishop also recalled how the diocese had closely lived the event of the earthquake in Si Chuan and the Olympics in Beijing with Chinese society, bearing witness to their faith. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2008)
