SHENZHEN, China: Young Catholics have celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in their own way – by praying for the country and its future. As other Chinese were celebrating the Oct. 1 National Day with fireworks and performances, one group of Catholic teenagers and young adults organized a candlelight prayer gathering at the seaside to mark the occasion.
Father Hu Qinghua, pastor of the Bao’an Church in Shenzhen city, southern China, led some 10 parishioners to Xichong beach, a scenic spot at the eastern edge of the special economic zone on the evening of Oct. 2, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. There they prayed for Chinese fisher folk, the victims of natural disasters in Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia, and asked for God’s providence for the Chinese people. They placed 60 candles on the beach in the shape of a heart with a cross inside. They also prayed that they would be “salt and light,” able to share the love of Christ with others.The prayer meeting helped the busy youngsters refresh themselves spiritually as well as physically, a participant told UCA News. Some curious passersby were attracted by the reflective atmosphere and even joined in the prayers.
In southwestern China, Nanchong diocese in Sichuan organized a singing contest on Sept. 26 themed “Celebrating the National Day, promoting evangelization.” The competition attracted eight choirs from seven parishes in seven cities as well as one formed by priests and nuns. In all there were about 200 participants. - Courtesy: UCAN
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