Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Xia Men (Agenzia Fides) - More than 4 thousand faithful paid homage with the pilgrimage and the novena to St. Roch, in the parish of Shi Pu dedicated to the Patron Saint of plague victims in the diocese of Xia Men in Fu Jian province in southern Mainland China . According to information gathered by Fides, the novena began on September 23, and was concluded by a solemn Eucharist presided by His Exc. Mgr. Cai Bing Rui, Bishop of the diocese of Xia Men, ordained on May 8, 2010 with the approval of the Holy See, which was the highlight of the celebrations. In his homily, the Bishop recommended the faithful: "it is not enough to remember the Saint only when we need him, we have to pray for his intercession so our faith and charity increases". The parish of Shi Pu is the only parish church dedicated to St. Roch in the diocese of Xia Men, so many devotees and pilgrims from all parts of China annually come to pay homage. The novena is a tradition and a testimony of faith. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2011)
