Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Xia Men (Agenzia Fides) - Sharing the experience of World Youth Day in Madrid was the high point of the first World Youth Day celebrated by the Diocese of Xia Men, Fu Jian province in mainland China, on November 20, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The theme was: "Rooted in Christ to receive the fruits of Holy Communion." According to what was reported to Fides by Faith of He Bei, over a thousand young people from various diocesan youth groups took part in the Day, which was presided by His Exc. Mgr. Joseph Cai Bing Rui, Bishop of the diocese, recognized by the Holy See, which was consecrated on 8 May. In addition to the solemn Eucharist and presentation of their own journey of faith on behalf of the youth groups, the young who were present listened to a priest and a nun, who had attended World Youth Day in Madrid, explaining the "wonderful experience of universal communion." Finally Mgr. Cai urged the youth to take with them into their communities of origin, "what you have listened to, seen, heard in order to put down roots in Christ with all members of the community, building communion."
The initiative of setting up youth groups in the diocese of Xia Men began 16 years ago, motivated "by the great love of Christ for the Church and Communion." According to this formula therefore the young commit themselves "to bear witness to the faith, to live the Gospel."
The Diocese of Xia Men is located in the southern coastal province of Fujian. It currently has more than 30,000 people, mostly farmers and workers, assisted by a dozen priests and 15 women religious. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/12/2011)
