ASIA/CHINA - Sunday, May 24, the Chinese Catholic community throughout the world prays for the Catholic Church in China, in accord with the Holy Father's intentions

Roma (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, May 24, in accord with the “Day of Prayer for the Church in China” established by Pope Benedict XVI in the Letter to Chinese Catholics written May 27, 2007, Chinese Catholics throughout the world prayed for the Church in China, in accord with the Holy Father's intentions.
In Italy, nearly 500 faithful participated in the Mass in the “Duomo” of Naples (Italy), presided by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Archbishop of Naples. There were over 70 priests (Chinese and non alike) concelebrating. The Chinese Catholics came to Naples from all over Italy to join in an intense prayer for the communion of the Chinese Catholic Church. Another group of Chinese Catholics living in Milan made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Caravaggio, near Milan, to pray in accord with the Holy Father's intentions.
According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, on mainland China, the parish of Lin Zi, in the Diocese of Zhou Cun in the Province of Shan Dong, like other communities throughout the country, followed the Holy Father's indications and prayed this Sunday for the Church in China, celebrating the Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension as well. The faithful made a spiritual pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai to pray for communion and faith for the Church in China. In the homily, the priest said: “we pray for unity, because it is only when we are united that we can have the strength to grow and put out into the deep. The Lord tells us that the best way to obtain unity is through prayer. Let us follow Jesus and the Holy Father.”
In Hong Kong, over 1,300 faithful participated in the procession organized by the parish of Our Lady of Fatima on May 17, in preparation for the “Day of Prayer for the Church in China” on May 24. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2009)