Pope Francis calls for prayers for China's Catholics
Chinese Catholics have been eagerly anticipating the most awaited event of the Marian month: the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. It is held every year on 24 May, which coincides with the feast of Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians. The Day of Prayer was established by Pope Benedict XVI after his Letter to Chinese Catholics, published in 2007.
At the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter's Square on 23 May, Pope Francis said the feast day, "invites us to be united spiritually with all the Catholic faithful who live in China." He assured an estimated 12 million Catholics in mainland China that, "the universal Church prays with you and for you, so that even in the midst of difficulties, you may continue to entrust yourself to God's will". He assured Chinese Catholics that, "Our Lady will never deprive you of her help and will protect you with her motherly love."
Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians is particularly venerated at the sanctuary of Sheshan, not far from the city of Shanghai, on 24 May each year. Also, the pilgrims of the Marian Shrine of Hu Xian, in the Province of Shaan Xi, and many other communities have joined the journey of the Christian people toward 24 May, the culmination of the Marian month for Chinese Catholics.