Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zheng Zhou (Agenzia Fides) – The priestly ordinations, renewal of vows, prayers for vocations and for the earthquake victims of Yu Shu all formed a part of the celebration of World Day of Prayer for Vocations in Catholic communities in several mainland Chinese, in communion with the Universal Church, yesterday, Sunday, April 25, IV Sunday of Easter. According to information received by our agency, following the theme set by the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the World Day 2010 - “Witness Awakens Vocations” - the different Chinese Catholic communities had the Sunday Mass in which several priests were ordained and religious took their first vows or renewed their vows, praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Everyone joined in praying for the earthquake victims, as well as for the priests, nuns, and all those who are still working hard on the frontline, offering assistance.
Fr. J. B. Zhang, head of Jinde Charities, the Chinese Catholic institution that coordinates aid from the Catholic Church on an international level along with Caritas from different countries, arrived in the earthquake zone with many Chinese priests and superiors of female religious congregations, to study the best way in which to continue the work of aid. On this Day of Prayer for Vocations, they prayed for all priests and nuns who work on the frontline in relief for earthquake victims, as well as for an increase in vocations from China and worldwide.
In the Cathedral of the Diocese of Zheng Zhou, the faithful and the whole community prayed during the ordination of diocesan Deacon Zhang Yun Yan, for vocations for the diocese and for the people affected by the earthquake. The faithful actively participated in the ceremony, appreciating the close connection between the life of the Church and society. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/04/2010)
