Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – A ceremony of vows, the consecration of a church, a pilgrimage, and celebrations for patronal feasts marked the great celebration of the Solemnity of the Annunciation for the Catholic community in the mainland. According to information received by Fides, Chinese Catholics, who are very devoted to the Virgin Mary, lived March 25 in communion with the Universal Church.
Three religious of the Chinese province of the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary took perpetual vows on March 25, also receiving the missionary mandate from their superior. Eighteen priests concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by over 600 faithful and 32 sisters.
Bishop Joseph Li Lian Gui, Bishop of the Diocese of Xian Xian, consecrated the new church dedicated to the Annunciation on the day of the Solemnity. The original church was built in 1904 in a Gothic style. Destroyed in 1958, it was rebuilt on its ruins in 1990, influenced by architectural design and the limited resources at hand. The faithful did not consider the church sufficiently dignified and solemn and they wanted to rebuild a new church, to pay another tribute to Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, with the effort of all the local faithful, in 2008 they were able to begin building the new church, which is now finally completed and consecrated.
The small church dedicated to the Annunciation in the village of Wang Zong, in the city of Ning Guo, Province of An Hui, welcomed – as they do every year at this time - thousands of pilgrims from all over the country, to celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. The faithful of the parish, all of limited economic conditions, prepared the best rooms of their homes and cooked the best dishes to offer their brothers and sisters in the faith. In fact, the modesty and simplicity of this beautiful church has attracted the attention of the faithful, transforming it into a popular place of pilgrimage. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 29/03/2010)
