Pope Francis is praying that Chinese Catholics might be aided by Our Lady to discern in every situation the “signs of the loving presence of God.”
The Pope invited the faithful to make this prayer when he mentioned today after praying the midday Angelus the upcoming feast of Our Lady Help of Christians (May 24), which is celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai.
The Church since 2007 has marked the day as a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.
Related: Benedict XVI names May 24 as day for Church to pray for China
“On Tuesday May 24, we spiritually unite ourselves to the faithful of China, who on this day celebrate with particular devotion the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians,” Francis said today. “Let us ask Mary to give to her sons and daughters in China the capacity to discern in every situation the signs of the loving presence of God, who always welcomes and always forgives.”
The Pope also prayed that in this Holy Year of Mercy, “Chinese Catholics, together with those who follow other noble religious traditions, become concrete signs of charity and reconciliation. In this way, they will promote an authentic culture of encounter and the harmony of all society. This harmony that the Chinese spirit so loves.”
