Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – In view of the liturgical solemnity of St Joseph on 19 March, the Catholic mainland Chinese community, which has always been very devoted to the saint, is preparing a great celebration. Not just on the day of the feast but along the journey of faith throughout the whole year, Chinese Catholics have always taken St Joseph as a model to emulate in his spirit of generosity, service and unconditional dedication to God's plan. On 16 August 1678, Pope Innocent XI assigned St Joseph with the title “Patron of the Mission in China.”
According to information gathered by Fides, each year on the liturgical solemnity of 19 March, the sanctuary dedicated to St Joseph, located in Shan Dong Province, welcomes numerous groups of pilgrims from across China. Especially in parishes dedicated to the Saint, the faithful who live out Lent in communion with the universal Church, also dedicate the month of March to St Joseph, preparing for the big celebration through prayer, novenas, Eucharistic adoration.... This is intended to honour St Joseph, who is Patron of the Universal Church and Patron of the Mission in China.
Within the Catholic Chinese world, the fervent devotion to the Spouse of the Virgin Mary and caretaker of the Infant Jesus has a very long tradition. Humility, generosity, unconditional dedication, authentic spirit of service, poverty, obedience and absolute chastity: all these virtues which distinguish St Joseph are particularly needed in the men of today, according to the thought process of Chinese Catholics. Their special affection for St Joseph is evidenced by many churches (especially by the Parish of St Joseph in the centre of Beijing), by the Sanctuary of Ping Yin Shan (Shan Dong province), and by numerous religious congregations and ecclesial structures, seminaries and schools which carry his name. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 18/03/2011)
