Beijing (Fides Service) - Catholics in China have always been deeply devoted to St Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Joseph is the patron of China and March 19th his feast day is always a great celebration. A priest who works among Catholics in Beijing told Fides: “We feel Saint Joseph, his humility and silent zeal, very close to our experience. He is also patron of a ‘happy death’, and Chinese tradition gives great importance to aspects of spirituality regarding life and death. Chinese Catholics are deeply devoted to Saint Joseph. In fact many churches, seminaries, national and diocesan religious congregations, orphanages, homes for the elderly, and Catholic schools are named after St Joseph”. The local source told Fides on St Joseph’s day besides special celebrations of Mass youth groups all over the diocese will focus reflection on St Joseph, and his figure and spirituality at this time of Lent and in the Year of the Eucharist.
(Agenzia Fides 18/03/2005 Righe: 17 Parole: 166)