ASIA/CHINA - The opening of new churches in China: a sign of perseverance on the path of faith

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The opening of new churches in the People's Republic of China is a concrete sign of the perseverance of Chinese Catholic communities on the path of faith that continues under the varied circumstances of history. This is what the Chinese bishops, priests, and lay people are convinced of.
"The 33-meter-high bell tower of the new church is like a sign that helps us to fix our gaze on the Kingdom of Heaven, and it also reminds us of the urgency of putting down firm Christian roots in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, in order to express our faith through the witness of Christian life," said the Bishop of Hankou/Wuhan, Franciscan Father Francis Cui Qingqi, in his homily at the inauguration of the new Church of Christ the King in the city of Xiaogan, in the Chinese province of Hubei.
The solemn inauguration liturgy, which took place on May 10, was attended by 32 priests as concelebrants and about 1,000 faithful from the local Catholic community. Representatives of the local authorities were also present at the Holy Mass. The new church complex includes a rectory and a parish center for pastoral activities. The church has an area of 525 square meters and can accommodate more than 500 worshippers. It is a "place of prayer and a source of grace," according to the bishop. With its 33-meter-high bell tower, the church will also become a new landmark for the city and will soon be known throughout the province. Also on May 10, after celebrating the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, the small but proud parish of Guzhai in the Archdiocese of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, consecrated the new church, dedicated to Our Lady of China in preparation for the patronal feast on May 13. Bishop Paul Meng Ningyou reviewed the history of the small rural parish and praised the pastoral and missionary zeal of the priest and parishioners. "You have experienced opportunities and difficulties, which always go hand in hand. It is true that we are facing an aging community. But thanks to the communion and synodality of the parish, which also includes migrant workers, I have seen a blessed parish full of life," said Bishop Paul, who described the lay people as the "driving force" of the parish and invited them to participate in leading prayer and managing parish activities. Finally, everyone prayed for the help of Jesus and the help of the Virgin Mary on the path of growth and witness to which the entire ecclesial community is called. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 15/5/2025)

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