ASIA/CHINA - Promoting vocations in Year of the Priest also involves parents “to be generous like Saint Joseph”

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – In preparation for the solemnity of St. Joseph, the Catholic communities of the continent are working to promote vocations in this Year for Priests, calling for all parents to be generous like him, according to information received by Fides. The vocational group called "Love of the Lord's Vineyard," of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Gui Yang (dedicated to St. Joseph), gave a warm greeting and showed its appreciation to the parents of 53 diocesan priests, in view of the Feast of St. Joseph, to promote vocations. According to the head of the initiative, the Cathedral has more than 7,000 faithful and is “living a wonderful year of evangelization and pastoral ministry. All this is thanks to the priests and their dedication, but behind them there is also the silent support of their parents. In this Year for Priests, in view of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, we want to pay tribute to all parents who, like St. Joseph, have supported their children with love and generosity. Furthermore, we hope that all parents will be generous like St. Joseph."
The "Group for Vocational Promotion" of the Diocese of Xia Men of the Province of Fu Jian, started a promotion campaign for vocations entitled: "The Harvest is Plentiful But the Laborers are Few." The initiative was held in the area of Min Xi, which has been without a local priest for years. In five days, beginning March 8, members of the Group covered five cities and districts, visiting the Ecclesial Base Communities. The priest of the group celebrated Mass for the faithful and members shared with the local faithful on the importance of vocations for the Church's life, encouraging young people and parents to respond to the call of the Lord. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/03/2010)