VATICAN - The Pope recalls the Day of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24

Thursday, 21 May 2015

VATICAN

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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of the general audience yesterday, May 20, the Holy Father recalled the next World Day of Prayer for the Church in China with these words: "On the 24 May, the Catholics in China will implore with devotion Our Lady Help of Christians, venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. In the statue, which towers above the Shrine, we see Mary who holds her Son high, presenting him to the world with arms opened wide in a gesture of love and mercy. We too will ask Mary to help Catholics in China to be always credible witnesses of this merciful love among their fellow citizens and to live spiritually united to the rock of Peter upon whom the Church is built".
The "World Day of Prayer for the Church in China" was established by Pope Benedict XVI in the letter addressed to Chinese Catholics on 27 May 2007, the Solemnity of Pentecost, with these words: "Dear Pastors and all the faithful, the date 24 May could in the future become an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church which is in China. This day is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai".
In addition to China, the Day is celebrated by various communities of the Chinese diaspora around the world in many dioceses, with spiritual activities and public events. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/05/2015)