Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – May 24 is the second “Day of Prayer for the Church in China,” which was instituted by Pope Benedict XVI in his Letter to Chinese Catholics, signed May 27, 2007, Solemnity of Pentecost, with these words: “Dear Pastors and all the faithful, the date 24 May could in the future become an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church which is in China. This day is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”
After the large participation and success of the celebration last year, and thanks as well to the great care and attention of Cardinal Sepe, Archbishop of Naples, the Chinese Catholic community in Italy is collaborating with the Archdiocese of Naples to celebrate the Day there. All Chinese people, Catholic and non-Catholic here in Italy are invited to the “Duomo” in Naples at 11am on May 24 to respond to this appeal from the Pope. Their statement says: “Members of all the Chinese communities in every diocese in Italy are invited, along with all the missionaries and sisters of various congregations,” offering further information on their website: www.zanmeizhu.it.
In addition, after the Mass presided by Cardinal Sepe in Italian and Chinese, there will be a reception and a conference on the pastoral care and evangelization effort in the Chinese community in Italy. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2009)
