In Beijing, more than 200 catechumens baptized at Easter Vigils

Published: 2006-04-17

BEIJING (CNS) -- Catholic churches in Beijing's city center baptized more than 200 catechumens during Easter Vigils April 15. For Catholics from the mainland and foreign countries, having some hymns and part of the liturgy in Latin enhanced the solemnity of the occasion in some Beijing churches, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. More than 1,000 Catholics packed the Church of the Savior -- known as Beitang or North Church -- to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and witness the baptism of 90 catechumens during the Easter Vigil. They also had a chance to hear the priest use some Latin while blessing the paschal candle and the fire at the start of the three-and-one-half-hour liturgy. Newly baptized Catholic Liu Jie told UCA News April 16 that he felt honored to be surrounded by so many Catholics attending his baptism.

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