Posted on 05/25/2016 6:14:05 AM PDT by marshmallow
Pilgrims came from other dioceses like Ningbo and Taiyuan. Some groups organised web prayers. Under house arrest since 2012, Mgr Thaddeus Ma Daqin was not present. The Diocese of Shanghai organised a solemn pilgrimage.
Shanghai (AsiaNews) – Thousands of Catholics have come on pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan, on the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. But according to the Diocese of Shanghai, the lists of pilgrims include at least 20,000 people who made the journey during the month of May. Others are praying throughout China in their own communities.
Since Benedict XVI launched the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China in his Letter to Chinese Catholics (2007), 24 May has been an important date.
In his letter, the Pope emeritus called on Chinese Catholics to join him in prayer to boost their unity, love and pray for their persecutors, receive from the Churches of the whole world "fraternal solidarity and solicitude" as well as persevere in bearing witness.
Over the years, Chinese police have closely monitored the shrine out of fear that too many people might come together. The authorities in fact allow only the Diocese of Shanghai to organise pilgrimages for its own members, and only for one day, 24 May.
Nevertheless, the diocese noted that some 20,000 pilgrims have registered groups from other dioceses, like Ningbo and Taiyuan, between 30 April and 29 May, ranging from a few dozens to 2,000. Aerial pictures of Sheshan basilica have circulated among online chat groups.
This year, many Catholics also organised web groups to pray to the Blessed Mother for protection of the Church in China and healing for the sick.
One Catholic said, “Our lives are like a pilgrimage and will encounter difficulties. When I am downcast, I pray..........
(Excerpt) Read more at asianews.it ...
There may be more Christians in China than there are in the US.
Catholics should pray for the Church in Italy. Namely for the Pope, who is getting to act as Christian as Obama.
Catholics should pray for the Church in Italy. Namely for the Pope, who is getting to act as Christian as Obama.
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