Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) — Catholic communities across mainland China held solemn celebrations on May 24 for the Day of Prayer for the Church in China. This day was established by Pope Benedict XVI and is celebrated annually.
In his 2007 Letter to Chinese Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI proposed May 24—the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, honored at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai—as a day for Catholics worldwide to unite in prayer with the Church in China.
Pope Leo XIV also mentioned the Day of Prayer after reciting the Regina Coeli. He said that churches and shrines in China and around the world offered prayers for Chinese Catholics and their connection with the universal Church.
During the solemn Mass at Sheshan’s Marian Shrine, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai focused on gratitude, trust, and goodness in his homily. He reflected on Mary’s trust in God and care for others, urging the faithful to seek similar trust in Jesus Christ. The bishop encouraged believers to dedicate themselves to caring for others and living out the Gospel, emphasizing that changing ourselves is more important than changing the world. After the Mass, the Rosary was prayed at the shrine.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Sheshan over the weekend, including 300 from Yangziyu parish who sang the Hymn of Our Lady of Sheshan, using words from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 Letter.
In the Mindong diocese of Fujian province, a Jubilee concert called “Pilgrims of Hope” united all parishes. Father Zhu Ruci, the Diocesan Vicar, said sacred music is a form of faith that connects hearts to the Lord. Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu also encouraged active participation in Church life through sacred music.
This annual event continues to strengthen the faith and unity of Chinese Catholics with the global Church.
