Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – In preparation for Chinese New Year, which falls on February 14 and is the great holiday of traditional Chinese culture, the Catholic world from the mainland to Hong Kong is getting ready to welcome and celebrate it under the banner of evangelization.
According to information sent to Fides, the parish of Nan Qi Tian in the Diocese of Wei Nan, in the Province of Shaan Xi, began its preparations for the celebration with a solemn Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, February 7th. All the faithful of the parish and nearby villages participated in the procession of two kilometers and chanted prayers along the way. At the end, the solemn Eucharistic Benediction was given.
The parish of Song Shu in the Diocese of Lan Zhou, in the Province of Gan Su, brought together 75 young Catholic migrant workers, who have returned home for the holidays. During 5 days of meetings, they exchanged their experiences of faith, as real pilgrims (of faith) in the workplace. The priest advised them, "in addition to making every effort not to lose your faith by living away from home, you also have the duty to evangelize your companions at work. Also, in the Diocese of Lan Zhou, the faithful of the parish of Wei Wu visited the home for the elderly, the public orphanage and the Catholic orphanage, bringing the witness of Christian love to 200 people who are alone, sick, or disabled. More than 30 faithful of the parish of the Cathedral of Jing Xian, in the Province of He Bei, organized a show in several villages on evangelization. The people appreciated the Catholics, saying: "We never imagined that the Catholic Church was so good, close to ordinary people like us."
In the Diocese of Hong Kong, the Catholic community is present at New Year's Fair with evangelization material. They have also opened a Catholic “help line” to answer questions of people who attend the Fair. All the revenue of the initiative will be allocated to the St. Joseph Home for the Elderly, the House of Love that cares for girls, and the Center for Leprosy Patients. Also, as is typical at this time of the year, the leaders of six major religious communities in Hong Kong have issued a Message for the Chinese New Year, making an invitation to build social harmony. Bishop John Tong of the Diocese of Hong Kong has signed the Message, as leader of the Catholic community. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/02/2010)
