Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - A message of joy and a commitment to witness to the light of Christ all through the new year in small daily gestures, were the main motives of the Lunar New Year celebrations organised by the Chinese community in Rome yesterday January 29 at San Bernardino da Sienna church , via Panisperna.
The chaplain of the local Chinese community Rev. Giovanni Chiu said the guest of honour was Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples who presided a solemn Mass in a church packed with people in a climate of joy and brotherhood.
The Mass was preceded by the traditional Chinese act to commemorate ancestors. Mass was celebrated at 5pm in the presence of over 100 people. About 20 priests concelebrated including representatives of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Chinese priests, seminarians, friends, Chinese lay people and Italian friends of the community.
In his homily Cardinal Sepe reflected on the prologue of the Gospel according to St John “The Word came to bring light”. “Every Christian has a responsibility to bear witness to the light of Christ to the whole world. The reflection of the Prefect of Propaganda Fide touched on the them of love, as presented in the new Encyclical Letter of Benedict XVI “God is Love”.
The evening closed with an exchange of new year greetings in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship. Fr. Giovanni Chiu expressed his greetings to the local Chinese community: “I wish you all a year of serenity and peace and Christian joy and may you be light for those who have still to hear the Good News of God’s love for all humanity”. (Agenzia Fides 30/01/2006 Righe: 25 Parole: 254)
