Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Solemn Celebration of the Eucharist, Adoration, special prayers for priests all over the world, new pages on Catholic web sites, publications on the theme of the priesthood, marked the opening of the Year of the Priesthood among Catholics in mainland China , in communion with the Pope Benedict XVI and the universal Church. Reports sent to Fides speak of massive and enthusiastic participation of the faithful for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday June 19, a day traditionally dedicated to prayers for the sanctification of the clergy, and this year the opening day of the Year of the Priesthood called by Pope Benedict XVI to coincide with 150th anniversary of the “dies natalis” of Saint Jean Marie Vianney.
Special features on the Year of the Priesthood can be found on many Catholic web sites, Faith, ShangZhi (Sapientia), the diocese of Tian Jin. The first title in the most recent issue of Faith, reads “Letter of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for Year of the Priesthood (in English)”, followed by the life of the holy Cure of Ars and many articles on the theme. Comments on the Pope's Letter include “moving words of the Pope, father strict and loving ”. Faith magazine also carried an Editorial on the subject. La Sapientia Press House of Beijing, director Peter Zhao Jian Min, Vicar of Beijing diocese and director of Bei Jing Institute for the Study of Christianity and Culture, offered to the Catholic priests and seminarians of China in this year dedicated to them, 5,000 free copies of the new edition of a text “Priests today: reflection on the decree De Presbyterorum Ministerio et Vita Presbyterorum Ordinis”, published 10 years ago.
Some 300 Catholics in Hong Dong parish, Shan Xi province prayed for the spiritual and bodily health of the 410.000 Catholic priests all over the world that they may serve faithfully the people entrusted to their care.
In Feng Xiang diocese preceded the opening of Year of the Priesthood with a moving Pastoral Letter written by the elderly Bishop Li Jing Feng (see Fides 18/06/2009). June 19th celebrations lasted from the morning to the evening. Some 35 priests with the Bishop reflected on the Letter of the Pope, papal documents and the theme of the Eucharist … Bishop Li said repeatedly to his priests: “The priest is a bridge to salvation, he is a mediator between God and man. People need to see the Lord in priests”. He urged his people to pray for the sanctification of the clergy.
The opening of the Year of the Priesthood in Lin Fen parish, Shan XI province focused on Adoration, the celebration of the Eucharist and community prayer from 8am to 8pm. Whereas Bao An parish in Shen Zhen reflected on the theme of the year - “Fidelity of Christ, fidelity of the Priest,”. The solemn celebration of the Eucharist to open Year of the Priesthood, in the Cathedral, in the diocese Tai Yuan, Shan Xi province, was followed by a concert of sacred music open to the public. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 22/06/2009 - righe 43, parole 497)
