The Archdiocese of Beijing announced that it “embraces and accompanies the enthusiasm” of Chinese Catholic communities in preparing for their Marian devotion in the month of May.
“We can join the universal Church, remembering the prayer intention of Pope Francis and imitating Our Lady the Virgin Mary in following Christ her Son, to reveal the face of the Risen Lord and live a new life,” read a statement from the diocese.
In a report, Agenzia Fides said pilgrimages, praying the rosary, hours of adoration, processions and solemn Eucharistic celebrations, and works of charity will be done during the month.
The doors of shrines, churches and chapels will always be open, after closures due to the pandemic.
The dioceses of Beijing and Shanghai have already published the program of celebrations and timetables for daily community prayer, including the provisions and logistical indications that must be followed.
The Marian shrine of Housangyu, in the Mentougou district, on the outskirts of Beijing, is a beloved place for Marian devotion among Beijing Catholics.
The diocese has arranged that the pilgrimages for the month of May take place according to the division of parishes: every Sunday in May, one of the four most important parishes in central Beijing will take care of the organizational aspects of the pilgrimage and the Eucharistic celebration, including those related to public order.
In Shanghai, everything is prepared to welcome the many pilgrims and devotees who wish to visit the Sheshan Shrine during the month of May, read the Fides report.