ASIA/CHINA – Patron Saint of the Missions: Catholic communities celebrate Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Ningbo – With rosary prayers, processions, testimonies of faith, liturgies, and theatrical performances, Chinese Catholics celebrated the feast of the Patron Saint of the Missions, Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, on October 1st.
In the Diocese of Ningbo, in Zhejiang Province, Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke presided over the Eucharist at Saint Thérèse’s parish and administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 18 adults. In his homily, Bishop Jin emphasized Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s special devotion to the Lord and called on the faithful to follow the saint’s example, imitating her missionary zeal and exemplary humility. He encouraged the faithful to study the life of the saint and her “Little Way.” For Thérèse’s words are “simple and powerful, and continue to nourish every soul that strives for spiritual growth.” The parish band began playing at 6:30 a.m. to celebrate the patroness of the parish and the missions. The subsequent recitation of the rosary, the choir’s songs, and the testimonies of the faithful were attended by a large number of people who visited the parish church until late into the evening, partly because the People’s Republic of China celebrates its national holiday on October 1st. Similar celebrations took place in all the numerous Chinese churches named after Saint Thérèse. The chapel in Qijiashan also solemnly celebrated the patron saint’s feast day. The chapel was decorated with balloons and roses, and a festive atmosphere prevailed. As Father Xu Wenzhou said in his homily: “She is our light of faith… The life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux shows us that even the small acts of ordinary and humble people can bear missionary fruit.”

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