Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The Chinese Catholic community is making preparations for the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is widely celebrated in China. The month of May in all the parishes is celebrated with pilgrimages, praying the Rosary, Adoration, and the recitation of Marian prayers. Thanks to the initiative of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, which established May 24 as the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians in his Letter to Chinese Catholics in 2007. In 2008, he himself composed the Prayer to Our Lady of She Shan, on the occasion of the first Day of Prayer. Thus, the month of May takes on an even greater significance, offering an occasion of communion among the Church in China, the Pope, and the Universal Church.
In the province of Shaan Xi, home to the most renowned Marian shrine, the dioceses and parishes have already begun organizing events in May: pilgrimages, volunteer groups, etc. The parish of Long Gang, in the area of Wenzhou, which at Easter had 189 Baptisms and 157 Confirmations (and prepared over 7,000 easter eggs for the children in the neighborhood), has begun arrangements for accommodating pilgrims. The parish is very active and pious, and every year about 60 pilgrimage groups come to visit, especially in May. During the preparatory encounter held on April 12, the pastor and the parochial committee decided that the motto for welcoming the pilgrims during the month of May should be: “Smile, warmth, patience, awareness, and promptness.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/4/2009)
