Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – According to information received by Fides, the Chinese Catholic world celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost in communion with the Universal Church, marking the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China issued by Pope Benedict XVI celebrated today, May 24, Feast of Mary, Help of Christians. In the parish of Qing Shan in Inner Mongolia, 17 catechumens received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation during the Mass on Pentecost, in the presence of thousands of faithful. On the occasion, the faithful also celebrated in anticipation the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, consecrating the Church in China to Our Lady Help of Christians and making a "spiritual pilgrimage" to the Shrine of Our Lady of She Shan, as indicated by the Pope. They also prayed for the earthquake victims of Yu Shu. Similar solemn celebrations were held in many other churches on the mainland. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), in Hong Kong, local Bishop John Tong presided at the Solemn Mass for Pentecost with over 2,500 newly baptized. He prayed in particular that "the Holy Spirit would descend upon them, giving them vitality so that they can deepen in their relationship with God, with others, and with the Church, so that together we can witness to the Gospel." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/05/2010)
