ASIA/CHINA - Bishop Joseph Shen Bin administers the sacraments of Christian initiation to 34 catechumens: “Be a blessing to all”

Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) - Last Sunday, July 2, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin presided over the solemn liturgical celebration in the Cathedral of St. Ignatius in Shanghai, where 34 catechumens celebrated the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation).
According to reports from the church news portal "xinde.org", the liturgy was characterized by an atmosphere of reflection and palpable emotion. In the past three years, the restrictions related to the Corona pandemic had made the process of preparing catechumens difficult. "The difficulties," says the article published by xinde.org, "have fueled the catechumens' desire to draw from the sources of sacramental grace and entrust themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the journey of faith". The Diocese of Shanghai placed great emphasis on the celebration, which marked the joyful entry of the 34 newly baptized adults into the local church community. The solemn service was attended by at least 2,000 believers. In the homily, Bishop Shen Bin encouraged the newly baptized to humbly follow the Lord's will: "Be a blessing to all those around you", said Bishop Joseph, urging everyone to "follow Christ's example by going into the world, accepting others, being the light and salt of life and living the commandment of Jesus Christ to love one another, in prayer". During the liturgy, all those present renewed their baptismal promises and reaffirmed their desire to proclaim Christ's salvation in their daily lives and to bear witness. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 4/7/2023)

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