ASIA/CHINA - Catholics have lived an intense Lent of preparation, with works of charity, for Holy Week and Easter Sunday

Monday, 17 March 2008

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Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Chinese Catholics have been living a spiritually intense Lent in preparation for Holy Week and Easter, through prayer and works of fraternal charity, in union with the Universal Church. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, across continental China, in Hong Kong, and in Taiwan, all the parishes and ecclesial base communities are participating in various charitable and spiritual works. The following are examples of just a few of the activities taking place.
In the diocese of Tang Shan, in the continental province of He Bei, some 600 faithful participated in a Lenten retreat on Sacred Scripture. According to a local priest, “we help the faithful to live a simple faith, yet with sound doctrinal and biblical foundation. If we live Lent well, we will celebrate Holy Week and Holy Easter well, and we will be able to better understand the full meaning behind this intense liturgical season in the Church.” After 4 days of retreat, the faithful returned to their normal daily life and divided themselves into 4 teams for doing charity work. They have also begun 16 Bible-study groups, to spread the Word of God.
During the Lenten retreat held in the parish of Saint Ignatius in Hong Kong, a very contemporary theme was chosen for reflection and dialogue: “Youth Devastated by Drugs.” As the theme resonated with many, the faithful were moved to make a commitment to fight the tragic reality according to Christ’s teachings, in imitation of Jesus on the Cross.
Close to 90 people attended the retreat held in Assumption of Mary Parish in Keelung, in the Archdiocese of Tai Pei (Taiwan), that had as its theme: “For your sake, Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). In light of the coming Pauline Year, the priest encouraged the faithful to take an active part in evangelization. During Eucharistic Adoration, the priest helped the faithful to reflect on their life and to make an examination of conscience. About 60 people went to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in preparation for Easter Sunday. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2008; righe 27, parole 352)