Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic community on the mainland solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Queenship of Mary on Sunday, August 22, a very specially celebrated feast on the mainland, where the local Catholic community is particularly devoted to the Virgin Mary. According to information received by Fides, on this occasion the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation were administered in different communities. Over 200 faithful of the parish of Fan Ga Da, in the Diocese of Cang Zhou, received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of ordinary bishop, Bishop Joseph Li Lian Gui, surrounded by the prayer and affection of more than 2,000 faithful. There were also 19 children ages 7 to 10 who were baptized. Finally, the same day the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered to hundreds of elderly and sick who were also encouraged to participate in Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday.
Bishop Han Jin Ying, Bishop of the Diocese of San Yuan, made a pastoral visit on the feast of the Queenship of Mary, administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to the faithful of a village. During the homily, he encouraged everyone to live their faith rooted in the Holy Scriptures, in imitation of Jesus, "that way others will see the love of God in us, sharing the faith in salvation."
In addition, 16 children of the Parish of Xu Shan, Diocese of Ning Bo, have been baptized. These children attended the summer catechism course for children, which includes several children of migrant workers. Three of them were in the group of newly baptized. According to head of the community, "we must make these migrant workers and their children feel at home, because the Lord's house is spacious, friendly, and open to everyone." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 31/08/2010)
