ASIA/CHINA - Catholic young people and immigrant foreign workers celebrate St Joseph national patron anxious to learn from him the virtue of humility

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - “In a world where so much importance is given in success and getting rich, and fundamental values of the family, faith and humility are undervalued St Joseph can be of great help” a priest in Beijing said during Mass on the feast day of St Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and custodian of the Child Jesus. Chinese Catholics are deeply devoted Joseph the national patron saint and look to him as an example of humility and service. St Joseph is also the patron of workers and at the mass there were many young people and foreign immigrant workers.
Traditionally in China the whole month of March is dedicated to St Joseph as the patron not only of of workers, but also of mission in China, newly wedded couples and the saint to pray to for a happy death. “We know St Joseph was a man of many virtues but I would underline his humility in private and public life”, the priest told the workers present. “Dear brothers and sisters the Church is your home, here on feast days and all the year round you will find a warm welcome and spiritual assistance”. (Agenzia Fides 20/03/2006 righe: 22 parole: 231)