Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – According to information released to Agenzia Fides, Catholics in China are living Lent in communion with the Pope and the Universal Church, in intense spiritual preparation and charitable works. Here we indicate some of the many activities taking place during this liturgical time of the year, in preparation for Easter.
The faithful of the parish of Ji Ning Li, in the Diocese of Yan Zhou (Province of Shan Dong) led by their parish pastor, visited the Center for Lepers in Tai An, with the hope of bringing love this Lent to these marginalized brethren. Over 600 faithful participated in the Lenten retreat at the parish of Nan Qiao, Diocese of Shang Hai, which was held on March 11-13. Concentrating on the theme: “How to be a Mature Christian – wholesome prayer life, charitable works, using all my strengths to evangelize,” the retreat leader spoke on three main topics: the meaning of life; the benefits of conversion, forgiveness, and confession; the commitment to evangelization to confront every difficulty and challenge.
The Parish of Saint Joseph, also in Shang Hai, organized a two-day retreat for 220 faithful of the parish on March 13 and 14. There were also youth and students who, after school and work, were able to attend the Mass, spiritual direction, Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and Eucharistic Adoration. The main theme of the retreat was “the 10 Commandments.”
Since the beginning of Lent, the faithful of the parish of Xiao Shi He in the Diocese of Tai Yuan continue their commitment to daily adoration accompanied by readings of the Sacred Scripture and the commitments proposed by the priests to help the faithful in preparing for the Lord's Resurrection.
“You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” was the theme chosen by Fr. Joseph Yim Tak Lung for over 800 participants in the Lenten retreat at the parish of Saint Francis in KowLong, Diocese of Hong Kong. During the retreat, Fr. Joseph invited the faithful to become “fans of Christ” instead of the other many famous “VIPs” in the world.
In Taiwan, 36 faithful in the parishes of the Diocese of Chia Yi participated in a Lenten retreat on “The Thirst on the Cross.” The 32 catechists from the Diocese of Hsin Chu learned how to “Encounter the Lord” in life, listening to the preaching of Fr. Wang Bing Jun. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/03/2009)
