Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) - Miserere Mei Deus, Ave Maria, Holy Night, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Adeste Fideles, Gloria...are some of the best-known songs in the program of Christmas concerts that many parishes in mainland China are preparing for the approach of Christmas, even with a strong connotation linked to evangelization. "In fact - a priest of the Diocese of Shanghai told Agenzia Fides - the Christmas concert will be open to all, the doors of the church will be open for all, for all who want to offer their voices to give glory to the Child Jesus, Catholics and non. For us, Christmas is not just a Christian festival - continues the priest – it is also an opportunity for evangelization. Never before have so many young people and common people shown interest in the Church, in the faith. Therefore, we take advantage of the occasion of the great celebration of the birth of Jesus to invite everyone to participate in our joy, to meet us."
From Beijing to Shanghai, including even the smaller parishes and ecclesial base communities in remote areas, the Christmas spirit is already being felt. The parish of Jin Jia Xiang in the Diocese of Shang Hai, on December 19, held the Christmas concert entitled "A Child Has Been Born." But it will not be a concert held in the usual way: along with the 23 sacred Christmas songs will be a commentary given by a priest. Also in the Diocese of Shang Hai, the Parish of St. Peter is hosting the "Men's Choir of Warsaw," which will perform a concert of Polish Christmas carols. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2009)
