Three Catholic churches in China were inaugurated in dedication to Saint Joseph, the country’s patron saint of missions, in March.
In the Diocese of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin presided over the reconsecration of two churches named after Saint Joseph.
He led the reopening of the Tianma church in the Songjiang district on March 16 and the Beitaowan church in the Baoshan district.
Over two thousand people attended the reconsecration of Tianma Church, built in 1850.
“May this temple of God’s grace be a welcoming house of faith for all, so that we can walk together towards holiness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Shen in his message.
The bishop also conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to more than two hundred adults during the event.
Tianma Church was reopened for worship in 1989. A hospital run by Canossian nuns was attached to the church, where a public hospital now stands.
On the other hand, over 30 diocesan priests collaborated with Bishop Shen during the consecration of Beitaowan Church on March 15.
The sacrament of Confirmation was also administered during this gathering to 17 parishioners.
The Qing dynasty built Beitaowan Church in 1650 and rebuilt it around 1875. It was formally opened to the faithful in 1989, becoming the first Catholic place of worship in the Baoshan district.
Meanwhile, in the Diocese of Hangzhou, Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang consecrated a church dedicated to Saint Joseph in Yiwu on March 18.
The next day, at the solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, the bishop conferred the sacrament of confirmation to around 40 parishioners.
In 2008, the church officially opened. Until 2001, there was no place of worship for Catholics in this city, which is considered the world’s largest wholesale market for small goods.
Nowadays, Masses are being celebrated in the church in Chinese, English, and Korean.
Saint Joseph is the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. The Feast of Saint Joseph is celebrated on March 19.
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