SHANGHAI (Fides): Solemn celebrations took place across mainland China, involving local Catholic communities during the Day of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24, established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 in his Letter to Chinese Catholics as “an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church in China.”
Pope Leo XIV also referred to the Day of Prayer for the Church in China after the recitation of the Regina Coeli on May 25.
“In churches and shrines throughout China and around the world prayers were offered to God as a sign of concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal Church,” Pope Leo said.
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai cited three words: gratitude, trust and goodness in his homily during the Mass celebrated at Our Lady Help of Christians in Sheshan on May 24.
“Perhaps we are not able to change the world, but you and I can ask to become people who dedicate themselves passionately to caring for others and always bear witness to the message of the gospel and hope. More important than changing the world is changing ourselves,” Bishop Shen Bin said.
In the Diocese of Mindong, Fujian, a Jubilee concert dedicated to the “Pilgrims of Hope” involved all the parishes.
“Sacred music,” said Father Zhu Ruci, diocesan vicar, “is an expression of faith,” and singing can become a bridge that connects hearts and unites them to the Lord.
Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu also encouraged everyone to participate in the life of the Church, also through sacred music.
