Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - The celebration of May Day in the Catholic community in mainland China was marked by numerous initiatives, characterized by a strong Marian devotion for the beginning of the month of Mary, from the celebration of Confirmations and the deacons ordinations, commitment to evangelism, to the feast of St. Joseph, Patron of workers, all in view of World Day of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24.
As reported to Fides by Faith of He Bei, the parish of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Wen Zhou, Zhe Jiang province, formally opened the Marian month with the celebration of Mass and a Marian Procession. According to the organizers of the celebration, "in communion with the universal Church, we invited the faithful to have a particular devotion to Mary, imitating her in the life of faith. Throughout the month, in every parish the rosary will be recited every night, with a Marian meditation led by priests, before the statue of Our Lady which is found in every parish and chapel. With the pilgrimage, the commitment to evangelization and charitable works, we walk in the footsteps of our Heavenly Mother."
More than 4000 members of the congregation of the village of Xiao Han Cun, of the Diocese of Tian Jin, attended the May 1 celebration of the centennial of the founding of the parish. The anniversary was marked by a Eucharistic Congress, by a Marian procession and the opening of the Marian month, so that "the priests, the men and women religious and the laity reflect their faith in Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist, to be able to testify with courage." The solemn Marian procession around the village, led by fifty priests, lasted over two hours.
Also on May 1, 282 members of the parish of Yang Cheng of the Diocese Su Zhou in Jiang Su province, received the Confirmation, with the participation of thousands of faithful. According to local sources, "we opened the Marian month in the best way. This new life of the Church has united us to further carry forward the evangelization in the most fruitful way."
The Diocese of Tang Shan, in the He Bei province, opened the month of May with the ordination of three deacons of the diocese.
The eye clinic of the Catholic Diocese of Han Dan, run by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit the Comforter, yesterday celebrated 20 years of its foundation, confirming the commitment of care with the same dedication of S. Joseph. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 02/05/2012)
