BEIJING (Agenzia Fides): Supported by the light of faith lit 420 years ago by the Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing, China, [colloquially known as the Xuanwumen church] inaugurated a special “Year of Grace” on January 14, in which participation, practices and celebrations related to the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 are intertwined with those planned on the occasion of the 420 years since the church’s foundation which is linked to the figure of Venerable Ricci.
The parish community began celebrations with a Mass, coinciding with the “Day of Saints” celebrated throughout the Diocese of Beijing. On this day, Blessed Odorico da Pordenone [1286-1331], Blessed James Zhou Wenmo [martyred in Korea in 1795] and Venerable Ricci are remembered in particular, according to the indications of the pastoral vademecum [handbook] “Pilgrims of Hope and Builders of Peace.”
In his homily, Father Peter Zhao Jianmin highlighted the contribution of the three to the life of the diocese: “Father Ricci travelled tirelessly to bring the flame of faith to this land. His wisdom, courage and dedication have left a deep mark on all of us… Likewise, the testimonies of Blessed Odorico and Blessed James Zhou Wenmo have strengthened our faith and renewed our commitment to proclaim the gospel.”
Parish priest, Father Zhang Hongbo, officially announced the celebrations for the 420th anniversary of the founding of the church, which will include community and spiritual activities.
All those present at the Eucharistic liturgy received a book on the life of Matteo Ricci and a manual for living the Jubilee of Hope to the full.
The initiative to celebrate a year dedicated to celebrating the founding of the church aims to make known the history of the parish, so that everyone can find consolation and spiritual growth in recalling the events, the vicissitudes and the flourishing of gifts of grace and good works that have marked the path of this ecclesial community throughout its 420 years of history.
In Beijing, the opening of the Jubilee Year of Hope took place on December 28. Priests, nuns and many lay people gathered in front of the cathedral square, where Bishop Joseph Li Shan and the coadjutor Bishop Matthew Zhen Xuebin, presided over the solemn celebration of the beginning of the Jubilee Year.
Everyone listened to the public proclamations from Spes non Confundit, the papal bull proclaiming the jubilee before passing through the Holy Door.
