ASIA/CHINA - Thousands of faithful, led by their 89 year-old Bishop, lead pilgrimage in the rain to the Marian Shrine of Hu Xian, dedicated to Our Lady of China

Shaan Xi (Agenzia Fides) – May 9 is the feast of Our Lady of China, patroness of the Marian shrine located in Hu Xian, in the Province of Shaan Xi. Over 1,500 faithful from the province and others from Chinese dioceses (from Jiang Su, He Nan, and He Bei, and others) who are intensely living this Marian month came together in the rain to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of China. Fifty priests and religious organized the event and led the pilgrimage. Bishop Zong Huai De, 89 years of age, of the Diocese of San Yuan, walked with them and presided the Mass. The bus drivers were also impressed by the devotion of the Catholics. They asked them about the origin and meaning of the pilgrimage, and other questions about the Catholic faith. As one priest says: “We made the pilgrimage an occasion to evangelize.” The Catholic youth on the trip took care of looking out for the elderly and children, especially on the most difficult parts of the path. One of the young men on the trip, soaked from head to toe, said: “This rain isn't anything in comparison with that Jesus had to suffer. We are happy to be the sentinels (referring to the appeal made by Pope John Paul II), even in the rain.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 11/5/2009)