Beijing parish prepare for Chinese New Year

The parish of Xian Wen in Beijing is preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year on 10 February with an in-depth catechetical programme and many charitable projects.

On Sunday, 27 January, 15 children made their First Holy Communion and are now beginning further formation. The previous day, the parish officially began a series of New Year visits to families in need. Despite the heavy snowfall, the parishioners and their parish priest went out with three trucks loaded with aid, to visit 40 families in remote country areas.

The pastor said: "our works are not limited to feast days or to a particular group of people. Each year we reach all needy families to bring the love of God."

The parish of Xian Wen is 400 years old. For various reasons, the crumbling old church was demolished in 2001 and rebuilt in the middle of the industrial area, close to the Olympics sports centre. The new church was consecrated on 24 April, 2011 and officially opened on 1 June, 2011. The priest urged the faithful to "take advantage of our best geographical position to bring the Gospel among the people. Together with the other parishes and faithful we relaunch evangelization. "

Source: Fides