On Assumption, Chinese Catholics reminded of pope's call for unity

Published: 2007-08-17

XUANHUA, China (CNS) -- Catholics in northern China, celebrating the feast of the Assumption of Mary, were reminded of the call for unity in Pope Benedict XVI's letter to Chinese Catholics. In Hebei province's Xuanhua Diocese, about 1,000 parishioners attended the 5 a.m. Mass Aug. 15 at Xiheying Church in Yuxian County, about 100 miles west of Beijing. "Today we celebrate the feast day of our Blessed Mother, the caretaker of our souls," Father Xia Shaowu said in his homily. "We should also give thanks to all mothers who take care of our material and spiritual needs." He highlighted Pope Benedict's emphasis on one church and unity between China's clandestine Catholic communities and those officially registered with the government. The papal letter was published June 30; the priest's remarks were reported Aug. 17 by the Asian church news agency UCA News. "No matter which way we have taken before, we should now return to the side of our Blessed Mother on this feast day," Father Xia said.

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