Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The Chinese Catholic world, in communion with the Universal Church and Pope Benedict XVI, is participating in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity recalling Haitian earthquake victims. According to information sent to Fides, various diocesan web sites on the continent have published the prayers for the Week and the story of the Week of Prayer. In addition, following the proposed theme this year - "You are witnesses of this" (Luke 24:48) in the prayer intentions of the Dioceses of San Yuan and Gui Zhou, in addition to pray for mutual understanding, respect, dialogue and collaboration among Christians, a particular intention was added for the internal unity of the Chinese Church and one for the Haitian people heavily affected by the terrible earthquake.
An ecumenical prayer vigil for Haiti has been promoted by the Christian community in Hong Kong and will be held January 25, closing the week of prayer. According to the announcement from the Christian communities, which also includes the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and the Commission for the Pastoral Care of Workers, "all Christians and citizens are invited to the vigil for Haiti," as a sign of social solidarity and common Christian witness.
Since January 16, the Christian community has begun its ecumenical journey of prayer for unity. About 500 faithful of all Christian communities in Hong Kong have taken part in the prayers held in the Catholic parish of St. Andrew, with the participation of Bishop John Tong of Hong Kong. Young Anglicans, Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians have shared their experience of Christian unity that has been a sign of peace to society, especially in times of great crises in nature or society. Catholic parishes will pray in particular for the unity of Christians on Sunday, January 24th. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2010)
