Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Catholics throughout China are living the Year of St. Paul with great enthusiasm, in union with the Pope and the Universal Church. According to information sent to the Agenzia Fides, the Year of St. Paul declared by the Holy Father Benedict XVI is permeating the lives of China’s Catholics and communities.
In spite of the natural disasters of recent months – the freezing temperatures and the earthquake – the parishes in the Diocese of Gui Yang are taking an active role in participating in the Year of St. Paul. In addition to the regular activities of the parish, there will now be a Bible Study on Thursdays, with a special focus on the Letters of Saint Paul. Every Friday, the youth will meet to practice Gregorian chant and for their weekly meeting and for an update on the initiatives for the Year of St. Paul.
The Diocese of Ning Xia is taking action, led by their Bishop Li Jing, recently named Auxiliary Bishop with the Holy Father’s approval. During a meeting held on the Year of St. Paul, the Bishop said, “we should drill this quote of Saint Paul into our heads, forever: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!’ We should take advantage of the Year of St. Paul to re-launch our evangelization effort in every area. Each one of us is a missionary. And each of us has the duty to bring at least one more person to the Father’s house, following in the footsteps of Saint Paul.”
The parish of Xiao Dian, of the Diocese of Tai Yuan, celebrated the 6th Evangelization Congress upon the inauguration of the Year of St. Paul. The theme was Jesus’ mission. The participants saw the urgent need to take part – individually and collectively – in the mission and have now launched a strong and renewed evangelization effort, “so that we may all imitate Saint Paul in carrying out our Christian duties.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 18/07/2008)
