聖母進教之佑紀念日 為在中國的教會祈禱感恩祭〔網上版〕
期數
4136期
刊登日期
2023.05.24
主曆
2023年05月28日 五旬節主日（甲年讀經）
香港教區主教周守仁中文及英文講道辭：
我們前任教宗本篤十六世於2007年發出一封《致中國教會信函》。信函提出普世教會要在每年的五月二十四日，即「聖母進教之佑」瞻禮日特別為在中國的教會祈禱，而聖母進教之佑在上海佘山是備受尊崇的。每年在這瞻禮日為在中國的教會祈禱也代表著聖父教宗心繫這個教會，而普世教會也透過教宗和他們的祈禱與在中國的教會緊密在一起。
在中國的教會和國家的命運是不可分割的，正因為這個教會的子民也是中國人。教會在中國的歷史可以說是風雨飄搖，面對過不同形式的苦難。而中國的近代歷史也面對了不同的國內及國外的折驣和壓迫。可是，儘管是困難重重，教會仍能夠在某些方面成長和發展。近代的中國也在滅貧及經濟發展中取得亮麗的成績。
苦難為基督徒來說是參與基督的苦難，在十字架上的奉獻。所以基督徒要不怕苦，為更多的人得到救贖作為參與苦難的價值。我們會效法主耶穌在苦難面前堅強，對天父的承諾永遠抱有希望。
教會在當今的中國是不會以殖民的心態自居，雖然在世界歷史中，教會的確有犯過一些類似的錯誤。正如利瑪竇神父為了信仰本地化的努力，以及當今教宗方濟各致力推動與中國政府的對話溝通，我們的祈禱是雙方都懂得放下給對方立下的前設、假設和成見。再以同理心進一步互相了解，建立互信。以上的方法雖然不乏挑戰性，但實在是十分重要，也很管用的。
瑪利亞在面對自己心愛的兒子被釘在十字架上，她肯定是心力交瘁，悲痛萬分的了。可是她沒有讓自己淪陷於絕望中，放棄對上主的信任，自把自為或自立門戶。無論有多痛苦，她對忠誠的上主抱有深深的期望。所以她願意以她在世的餘生陪伴這個初生的信仰團體 — 教會，一起等待聖神降臨，一個只有天主才能開啓的新時代。
因為天主才是真正歷史的主宰，不是我們任何一個有限生命的人。所以我們可以有信心地期待著歷史的主宰的介入，同樣為中國和教會展開新的篇章而祝禱。只要我們們大家都樂見和努力配合便可以了。
夏主教和我分享了一個有關佘山聖母的真實事件。19世紀中葉，華東地區發生教難，當時的耶穌會會長在佘山聖母像前許諾，教難平息之後，必會在那裏興建一座大殿。如今大殿建成已經一百多年，大殿雖然經歷不少風雨，但依然屹立。可見天主是藉著聖母的代禱而給我們護守，祂總不會離開我們的。
+ 周守仁
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In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued a letter of the Holy Father to the Church in China, expressing his desire for “the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church which is in China.” This should be held every year on May 24th, i.e., the feast day of “Our Lady, Help of Christians,” which is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. Through this letter, Pope Benedict XVI wanted to show everyone in the Church in China that they are particularly close to the heart of the Holy Father. Through him and their prayers the entire Church is closely connected with them.
Admirable missionaries in the early days had covered incredible distances before arriving in China. Especially for Fr. Matteo Ricci and his companions, they had great admiration for the amazing depth of the Chinese culture as well as similarities existing between the Chinese and Christian cultures.
Therefore, it should be understandable that Fr. Ricci and his companions had wanted to promote the inculturation of evangelization, so that our compatriots could better understand and accept Christianity; allowing the Christian faith to take root in the entire Chinese soil. Unfortunately, their efforts of inculturation and achievements were met with resistance, contempt and attacks both inside and outside of the Church.
It was a crucial arrangement for the early community of faith to have Mary, the mother of their Lord to accompany them. This community, after their Lord’s Ascension and before the Pentecost, was practically in hiding. They were afraid of further persecutions and were wondering what was being installed for them. What should they do? Would there still be a future for them?
Hence, praying together in one accord was particularly significant for them. They could draw strength and solace in praying together as a community. Also, they could discern communally where and how God would like them to move forward. Moreover, what could be better than to have the mother of their Teacher and Lord praying with them! Her Son would likely pay more attention to her petitions given their loving mother-son relationship.
Therefore, we join the entire Church for the Catholics in China in prayer today. Praying through the intercession of Our Lady of Sheshan and Our Lady, Help of Christians, that there will be unity within the Church, under the leadership of the Holy Father, contributing to the welfare and best interests of the country.
+ Stephen Chow, S.J.
