ASIA/CHINA - Bishop Lucas Li: “St Joseph is a model even for immigrant workers today”

Feng Xiang (Agenzia Fides) – “St Joseph is Patron Saint of the Universal Church, Patron Saint of China, an excellent model of a good Catholic, a good father, a good citizen, but also an exemplary model for immigrant workers today.” With these words ninety-year-old Bishop Lucas Li Jing Feng of Feng Xiang, Shaan Xi province, who was invited by the Holy Father to participate in the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist in 2005, addressed the faithful of the diocese in his homily for the solemn Eucharistic celebration on 2 March, to commence the month dedicated to St Joseph, always close to the hearts of the Catholic community in China.
According to information sent to Fides, the Bishop invited the faithful to always imitate “the reputed father of Jesus, the one who assumed responsibility for the family, who was a good Catholic within the Church, a good citizen in the community.” So he launched this special appeal: “Especially you, young immigrant workers, take the example of his life and faith, turn your prayer to him, exercising generous love like his”.
The Bishop's appeal has already echoed around the local community. Some local business people have made appointments for March 9 and 19 – Ash Wednesday and the Feast of St Joseph – with immigrant workers to hold some events together, such as planting of trees and serving in homes for the elderly. Other communities are organised to lead a good month for St Joseph and Lent. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 03/03/2011)