Solemn celebrations took place across mainland China, involving local Catholic communities in the Day of Prayer for the Church in China, established by Pope Benedict XVI and celebrated annually on May 24.

In the Letter to Chinese Catholics, signed on May 27, 2007, the Solemnity of Pentecost, Pope Benedict XVI suggested that 24 May, the day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians - venerated "with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai" - could become "an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church in China".

Leo XIV also referred to the Day of Prayer for the Church in China yesterday, after the recitation of the Regina Coeli. "In churches and shrines throughout China and around the world - said Pope Leo - prayers were offered to God as a sign of concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal Church".

Gratitude, trust and goodness are three key words used by the Bishop of Shanghai Joseph Shen Bin in his homily during the solemn Eucharistic liturgy he presided over on Saturday, May 24, at the Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians, which stands on the hill of Sheshan. Mary, from the moment of the Annunciation and the Wedding at Cana - explained the Bishop of Shanghai - "showed full trust in God, docile obedience to Christ and passionate care for others".

An "unconditional and selfless" trust, like the one we need to ask for as a gift for our faith in Jesus Christ. “Perhaps we are not able to change the world,” added Bishop Shen Bin, “but you and I can ask to become people who dedicate themselves passionately to caring for others and always bear witness to the message of the Gospel and Hope. More important than changing the world is changing ourselves.” After the Mass the Rosary was recited at the Shrine of Sheshan.

Pilgrims from all over the country gathered at Sheshan on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May. From the parish of Yangziyu alone, 300 Pilgrims of Hope arrived who sang the Hymn of Our Lady of Sheshan” composed with the words used in his 2007 Letter by Pope Benedict XVI to establish the Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

In the diocese of Mindong (Fujian province), a “Jubilee concert” dedicated to the “Pilgrims of Hope” involved all the parishes. “Sacred music,” said Father Zhu Ruci, Diocesan Vicar, “is an expression of faith,” and singing can become a bridge that connects hearts and unites them to the Lord. Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu also encouraged everyone to participate in the life of the Church, also through sacred music.