Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides Service) - There are over 100 catechumens at the Immaculate Conception parish in Beijing opened by the great 17th century Italian missionary Matteo Ricci SJ preparing to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation during the Easter Vigil this year. Sources in Beijing say that during a Mass on 26 March, a hundred catechumens, high school pupils, young people, adults and even a few senior citizens, accompanied by their Godparents, were accepted for baptism having completed a course of catechism and formation. Mothers and their children, work colleagues, school mates are ready for the most important day in their lives when they are baptised, confirmed as members of the Church and receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. One woman said: “My faith has given me hope, strength to face the troubles of life and to be at peace with myself and with others also playing sacred music. When I am baptised I would like to join the Caritas group to help those in need.” In many other parishes in the capital catechumens are preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. As part of their Christian formation they have prepared for this important occasion studying the lives of the Saints to help them choose their new Christian name. (Agenzia Fides 28/03/2006 Righe: 22 Parole: 199)
