ASIA/CHINA - Catholic Community promotes the role of women in the Church and society

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - To reaffirm and promote the role of lay women in the spiritual life, in evangelism, and in the life of the Church in general: is the reason for the formation course for women who are active in the Parish organized by the Pastoral Center of Xing Tai, in He Bei Province, from 8 to 14 February. According to what was reported to Fides by Faith of He Bei, 87 laywomen attended the 5 days of formation related to the parish ministry, the family relationship, the application of the Word of God, Evangelization, prayer, sacred music.
Other Catholic communities of the continent have always given importance to women in the Church and society, and continue to motivate and qualify their presence through formation. According to information gathered by our Agency, the Missionaries of the Mother of Mercy of the Diocese of Fen Yang organized a week of formation for young unmarried women based on prayer, faith formation and discernment of vocation. According to the religious women "whatever their vocation is, women always have a decisive role, both for the marriage vocation and for consecrated life."
Many priests and members of communities have the same opinion on the great role of women: "Women still defend the Catholic faith and tradition; they are the major protagonists in social service; Catholic women have given a strong sense of life to women in general." At the same time they also have their limitations and challenges, such as "lack of formation (in matters of faith and intellectual)," also sometimes they "confuse the consecrated life with the social service or charitable works". Therefore "the Church always promotes the formation of women, so that they are authentic protagonists of evangelization." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/2/2012)