ASIA/CHINA - After intense preparation in Lent Catholics look forward to celebrating the Easter Triduum and welcoming newly baptised catechumens

Wednesday, 12 April 2006

Beijing (Fides Service) - Catholics in China are united with Christians the world over as they prepare to celebrate Easter the main solemnity of the whole year. Catholic communities in Beijing lived the forty days of Lent with meditation, retreats, Stations of the Cross, recitation of the Rosary and frequent attendance at Mass. In many communities films were shown on the history of the Church, the Popes, as well as a video on the events surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II and the election and installation of Pope Benedict XVI. A local source describes the situation “The rites of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass are always well attended. A good number of people go to confession and pray the Stations of the Cross in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection. On Good Friday there will be a collection in aid of Christians in the Holy Land. In most parishes after completing the course of preparation adult catechumens of various ages will receive the sacraments Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.” Catholics in Beijing lived the Season of Lent with intensity and devotion and large numbers took part in the traditional Palm Sunday procession and Mass which starts Holy Week leading to Easter. (Agenzia Fides 12/04/2006 Righe: 22 Parole: 231)


Share: