Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Wu Chang (Agenzia Fides) – With a Pauline missionary spirit, the “St. Paul Youth League” of the Diocese of Wu Han in the Province of He Bei is celebrated its 8th anniversary of foundation, along with hundreds of faithful, on the Vigil of Pentecost, May 30, in Holy Family Parish in Wu Chang. During the meeting held after the Mass, there was a review of the activities that have taken place for the Year of St. Paul. The League's members that has both Catholic and non-Catholic youth, renewed their promises before the pastor, Fr. Yan Hua: “In light of the Year of the Priest, following in the footsteps of Saint Paul, our Patron, we follow Christ in order to offer a valid response to His call.” They also renewed their adhesion to the motto: “Living the Gospel life, sanctifying yourself, transmitting the Gospel, carrying the message of salvation to others.” Lastly, the priest proclaimed the Pauline missionary mandate for the 30 new followers of Saint Paul, the Apostle par excellence, presenting each of them with a Bible.
To prepare for this event, the League published a statement on their website, saying: “we are celebrating our 8th birthday in the Year of St. Paul, who is our patron, and looking forward to the inauguration of the Year of the Priest. During these years, every step we have taken has been filled with love, grace, and support from the Lord. Thus, we wish to show our immense gratitude to the Lord, thanking the priests, seminarians, and faithful. There is nothing left to do but continue on our way, asking for the continual intercession and accompaniment of St. Paul.” Organizers said: “We will be launching an intense promotion of the priesthood during the Year of the Priest. We were begun by seminarians. We have grown thanks to them, as they are now priests...”
Eight years ago, thanks to the missionary zeal of the seminarians (today, priests active in the diocese) of the South Central Seminary of Mainland China, the “St. Paul Youth League” began with 10 youth, Catholics and non alike. Today, the majority of the community are university students of Wu Han, and now has over 150 members. The seminarians continue to accompany them on their journey of faith, with the help of the priests, in an effort to remain faithful to their charism of evangelization and service to the Church, helping Christian youth to know and deepen in their faith and helping non-Christian youth to get to know Christ and the Church. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 4/6/2009)
