Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Together with the Universal Church, following the instructions of the Pope, the Chinese Catholic world celebrated the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China by praying for unity and evangelization in China. After the Marian prayer, the Regina Coeli, on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, the Holy Father recalled the day with these words: "Tomorrow, May 24, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, offers us the possibility of celebrating the Day of Prayer for the Church in China. While the faithful in China pray that the unity among them and with the universal Church continues to deepen, Catholics throughout the world -- particularly those of Chinese origin -- unite with them in prayer and in charity, that the Holy Spirit may fill our hearts especially on today’s solemnity.”
According to information received by Fides, twenty faithful of the parish of Ping Du in the Diocese of Qing Dao made a pilgrimage visiting nearby parishes, led by their parish priest, to live and pray together for unity and communion in the grace of the Holy Spirit and following the indications of Pope Benedict XVI. They shared the testimony of faith "so that the breath of the Holy Spirit may come upon everyone and his fire may remain forever in the hearts of the faithful."
Hundreds of faithful of the parish of Wu Qiang, in the Diocese of Heng Shui, in the Province of He Bei, went on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Shan Jian, in the district of Ping Yin, Province of Shan Dong. After the Way of the Cross, the Mass, and visits to "sister parishes,” they prayed together that everyone may intensely live out the unity recommended by the Pope and they also consecrated the entire Church in China to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The parish of Lin Zhang in the Diocese of Han Dan was solemnly consecrated on the Holy Mountain of Our Lady of China. The diocesan bishop invited all to "rely more on Our Lady, imitating her in order to become good Catholic missionaries.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/05/2010)
