Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) – Bishop Joseph Xing Wen Zhi, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai, blessed the first stone of the new church of St. Michael's Parish in Cao Jia Du, in the Diocese of Shanghai, on April 25. The joy of the faithful was indescribable, as they can now finally practice the faith like the other Catholics, having a permanent place to worship the Lord. During the prayer that was said, Bishop Xing called upon divine protection in the construction of the Church and for the workers , that they may reach the completion of their work safe and sound, with respect for their rights as workers.
In 1921, a pious woman offered a small house with three rooms and a courtyard to the Catholics of Cao Jia Du, for holding prayer meetings and celebrations. In 1930, this house became used as a church, to which was added a priests' residence in 1933. The additional work begun in 1935 was left on hold as a result of the war, but the workers places a statue of Saint Michael in the garden, to pay homage and invoke his protection. After the war and the cultural revolution, the Church finally reopened in 1985, but the building was already half-destroyed. Today, with the laying of the first stone of the new church, the faithful will finally have their own temple where they can gather for prayer.
The Diocese of Shanghai is famous for its missionary history, for its Marian shrine of Sheshan, which is a pilgrimage site for Catholics from China and the rest of Asia, and is home to many heroes in the faith. Historically, it was a French Jesuit mission. Today, the Catholic community has over 100,000 members, with 70 priests, 80 religious sisters, 30 novices, and a major seminary. There are 110 churches in the Diocese. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 6/5/2009)
