ASIA/CHINA - Mass for Chinese New Year in the Cathedral of Jing Xia attended by non-Christians as well

He Bei (Agenzia Fides) - Many non-Catholics participated in the solemn Eucharistic Celebration in honour of the Chinese New Year that was celebrated in Jing Xia’s Cathedral. They also received the blessing of Bishop Feng Xin Mao and exchanged cordial greetings for the New Year with the Pastor and Catholics present. According to Faith from He Bei, on the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Catholics welcomed many non-Christians to the Cathedral and those invited, in turn, felt that “the Catholics are good people and Catholicism is welcoming and friendly.” The Holy Mass began at 2 pm. Concelebrating with Bishop Feng, were the priests from around the Cathedral’s vicinity, while the other priests travelled to the rural areas in order to offer the Sacraments and send greetings for the New Year on behalf of the Church, to those Catholics who live in the countryside. The celebration was also attended by religious, Catholic laity, and non-Catholics, who seemed to be almost more enthusiastic about the event than the Catholic faithful themselves. Bishop Feng dedicated a portion of his homily to them, encouraging them to draw closer to the Christian faith in order to get to know it better, while recommending that the Catholic faithful open their doors and their hearts to all. The non-Catholics also knelt down in prayer, together with the Catholics, before the sacred images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. Following the liturgy, there was a large banquet for all those present, as a sign of Christian love. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2008 - righe: 17, parole: 254)