The Church of Macao prays for China: Now is the right time for evangelization
For the first time, since the appointment of bishop Stephen Lee, the celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China took place at a diocesan level, in the cathedral, in the presence of the bishop. The memory of the martyrs, Chinese and foreign, who evangelized China; the prayer to Mary so that Christians may face the new challenges of a Chinese society in transition. It is the duty of all Chinese faithful to evangelize China.
Macao (AsiaNews) - In line with the Universal Church and as part of mainland China, the Diocese of Macao yesterday celebrated the Day of Prayer for the Church in China, established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
In past years, the celebration was held at a parish level, with vigils of prayer and with some testimonies. This year, the first since the appointment of the new bishop Stephen Lee, the celebration was held only in Macau Cathedral, presided over by Msgr. Lee.
The vigil, which began last night at 20, was articulated using three languages: Cantonese, English, Portuguese. On either side of the altar there were two panels with two screens through which flowed a short presentation of the martyrs of China, local Catholics and foreign missionaries, along with a brief history, illuminating and inspiring Christians today who are part of this society in rapid transformation and who in China face many difficulties.
The Gospel was proclaimed in the three languages and the Holy Spirit invoked to guide the witnesses of the Gospel in times of persecution, gifting them eloquence in front of the world's authorities.
In his homily, Msgr. Lee spoke of how this celebration takes place in the month of May, dedicated to Mary. He highlighted the many Marian devotions in the world, but above all the power of prayer to Mary by the Church in China, with many places of pilgrimage scattered around the country.
The bishop stressed three important points for Macau Catholics. First, he asked the Virgin Mary to help the Church in China grow in the faith, as it prepares to face new social challenges. This growth of faith must take place between bishops and priests, religious and laity together. Secondly, he asked that the Virgin Mary give strength to Christians in facing the hardships and difficulties arising from their exercise of faith in China, following the example of the martyrs of the past. These difficulties have long been known to Macau Catholics: they are born of the nature of Chinese society, from the economy, from ethnic conflicts.
Finally, Msgr. Lee asked the Virgin to foster evangelizing zeal in the hearts of the Chinese to bring the joy of the Gospel to people. He pointed out that the present moment is an opportune time for Chinese Catholics to evangelize all of China.
The vigil concluded with a moment of silence before the Blessed Sacrament and the prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan in the three languages. The celebration ended with the hymn to Mary, Queen of China.
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31/05/2017 14:42
