EUROPE/PORTUGAL - Chinese Pilgrims at World Youth Day: Faith is a “Joy and a grace”

by Victor Gaetan


Lisbon (Fides News Agency) - The five-star red flag of China flew big and bold, near ones from Argentina and Portugal, close to the front of World Youth Day’s stage as Via Crucis was about to begin on August 4. A friend in the crowd helped me communicate with Chinese university students flying that flag.


The group of some 30 people came from some provinces in North China.


Three young men were particularly eager to talk. Using a translator from among the friends, I was able to convey a few questions. Because they spoke simultaneously—their voices blending together—so I present their answers as a unity.Here is their testimony.




Why is faith important for young people in China?

Without faith, we have no direction. And without the direction that faith gives us, we would be lost in this very complicated world. Jesus is important. Our faith is important.



What are the joys of being Catholic in China?

To know the Lord is really a joy. Many people [in China] do not know Christ. They don’t know the Lord. So having the gift of the faith is a great joy and a grace for us.



What are the difficulties of being Catholic in China?

Sometimes there is a lack of time to practice the faith because most of the people are not Catholic so there is not much support. At schools, for instance, there isn't much encouragement or support for practicing your faith in that context.




Would you like Pope Francis to visit China?

Of course! For sure! We would love Pope Francis to visit China. It would encourage the Catholics in China, it would help grow the faith, and it would strengthen faith overall in the Country.



What will be your message for young Chinese when you come back from World Youth Day?

First, to invite them to come to the next one, the next World Youth Day. It’s amazing. Then, to share the experience of being here. For example, we have seen the Pope!


After this World Youth Day, how will you continue to live communion with girls and boys sharing your faith in Jesus in other Countries?

We will pray for everyone, and ask for their prayers in return. (Fides News Agency 12/8/2023)

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