Pilgrims from Beijing and Shanxi at mass with Pope Francis for the conclusion of the Jubilee
The group consists of about 80 people, including nine priests. It is their first time in Italy and at the Vatican. They made the journey to the Holy Door in St. Peter’s. They have visited and celebrated Mass at St. Mary Major. Next they will go to: Assisi, Florence, Venice, Lourdes.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Among the more than 70 thousand faithful who yesterday attended the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Mercy, there was also a delegation from China, and in particular from Beijing and the Shanxi Province, around 80 people.
These included nine priests, five of whom were able to concelebrate with the Pope Francis on the raised dias in front of the basilica, together with the new cardinals and bishops present. In the enthusiasm to participate in the Eucharist with the Pope, the two groups arrived in St Peter's Square at 6 am. The Mass was scheduled for 10.
It is the first time for these Chinese pilgrims to be able to come to Rome. Many of them are deeply grateful for this opportunity. A lady from Beijing, moved to tears, confides to AsiaNews: "In coming here to Rome, we must thank Our Lady for giving us this opportunity. I was profoundly moved".
The two groups had arrived in Rome on November 18 in the afternoon. The next day, as all pilgrims, they went to the starting point of the route to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s, which is in Castel Sant'Angelo. Bearing aloft the cross of the Jubilee, they traveled the Via della Conciliazione and entered the basilica.
On the 19th they visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Mass was celebrated. The two groups will continue their journey by visiting Assisi, Florence, Venice and Lourdes.
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