Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The Message of Pope Benedict XVI for Lent 2010, entitled “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ,” is the central reference point for the Chinese Catholic communities in living an intense Lent, in communion with the Universal Church. According to information received by Fides, during the formation course held February 22 to 25 in the Ecclesial Base Communities in the village of Zong Wang, in the city of Ning Guo, Province of An Hui, faithful were able to study and ponder the Message of the Pope along with other Catholic communities. As this town is located in the remotest and poorest area, for years the Catholics here have had difficulties in receiving the sacraments regularly and have had to cross the mountains and even take several buses to attend Mass on Sundays. Today, thanks to the priest and nuns, even the faithful were able to read the Pope's recently published Message. In addition, since January 2010 there has also been a monthly celebration of Holy Mass, to ensure "a spiritually happy Lent."
More than 60 faithful of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Jing Xian took part in the retreat held February 22 to 26. During these days, life-long members of the Church met with the newly baptized, to shar their experiences of faith, to read Sacred Scripture, for prayer, and for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. According to the priests and religious organizing the initiative, "the retreat is necessary both for living Lent and for preparing for Easter. Also, it is good for spreading missionary awareness among the faithful, to live good Christian lives and keep the fire burning.
The Cultural Center “Bonfire,” run by the Salesian Family, founded in 1965 in Hong Kong, published a series of materials to help children live Lent and prepare for a "Happy Easter," with several games like "chess in search of the Risen Lord," Good Samaritan comic strips... According to the Director of the Bonfire Center, these materials help children to learn about the Passion of Jesus, and also pray and reflect on the events surrounding Easter. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 02/03/2010)
