Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides Service) - In communion with the universal Church, Catholics in Beijing celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday, May 7, 4th Sunday of Easter as the Day of Prayer for Vocations. Chinese Catholics are deeply aware of the need to pray for vocations. At Holy Saviour parish the parish priest said in his homily: “Parents, friends and all the members of the Catholic community should encourage vocations and pray for them”. A priest involved in the formation of priests for many years said: “Today we also need more people qualified to provide adequate formation for candidates to the priesthood. Usually young Seminarians already have a degree but they need teaching which is enriched, deep and well prepared. The themes of the lessons always go beyond the written text connecting the subject treated with present day situations, concrete, life, concrete pastoral for example the family, marriage, social justice …. Therefore it is right to pray for the vocation of those entrusted to the formation of priests”. According to the Guide to the Catholic Church in China 2004 China has 12 million Catholics, 5,650 men and women religious, over 2,200 priests most of them ordained in the last 12 years. (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2006 Righe: 19, Parole: 242)
