ASIA/CHINA - The closing of the Jubilee Year and the many "new beginnings" of Chinese Catholic communities

Shijiazhuang (Agenzia Fides) – The closing of the Jubilee Year dedicated to Hope can also be understood as a new beginning, a new start on the path of faith. In this spirit, Catholic communities in mainland China celebrated the ceremonies for the closing of the Holy Doors, which took place on different days depending on the pastoral programs of the respective dioceses.

All the ceremonies were characterized by gratitude for the abundant gifts received by the grace of God during the Jubilee Year.

During a solemn ceremony held yesterday on the Feast of the Epiphany, the community of Jiangxi gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Diocese of Nanchang to participate in the Eucharist presided over by Bishop John Baptist Li Siguang. In his homily, the bishop reflected on all the activities of “this spiritual path.” The major jubilee celebrations, according to Bishop Li, “not only encompass the spiritual journey undertaken so far, but also strengthen the faith of the community and point the way for the next steps on the path of faith and the growth of works of charity.”
The dioceses of Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Wenzhou also celebrated the conclusion of the Jubilee Year. In Xi'an, the end of the Jubilee Year coincided with the beginning of the Year of the Word, while the community of Tangshan began the Year of Pastoral Care. For, as Bishop Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou emphasized, “the true pilgrimage lies not in the length of the journey, but in keeping one’s heart always fixed on the Lord. Every pilgrim of hope today bears witness to Christ in the world, which together allows us all to grow in prayer, evangelization, charity, and communion.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 7/1/2026)

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