60 adults baptized in Shanghai on the feast of the Holy Cross

In an atmosphere of deep faith and joy, the Cathedral of St. Ignatius in the historic Xujiahui neighborhood of Shanghai was the scene of an extraordinary event: sixty adults received the sacrament of Baptism during the celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Monsignor Joseph Shen, Bishop of Shanghai, and was attended by hundreds of faithful who wanted to accompany the new members of the Church.

The testimonies of those present testify to the emotion of the moment, one of the witnesses said: "It was impressive to see that large group of catechumens approaching the fountain of grace to be baptized".

In the midst of the rite, the words of the Apocalypse came spontaneously to mind: "Then one of the elders spoke, saying to me, 'Who are these who are clothed in white robes, and where have they come from? And I said unto him, Lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb'" (Rev 7:13-14).

A sign of hope

The white vestments of the neophytes evoked this passage, reminding everyone that Baptism is new birth in Christ and participation in his victory over sin and death. In a context where faith is often lived in silence and discretion, this event is perceived as a true sign of hope and a reason to thank God for the vitality of his Church.

The sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to Christian life and, for these sixty adults, it signifies the beginning of a journey of faith that, supported by the community. The Catholic community in Shanghai, with the support of their pastors and catechists, patiently accompanied their preparation in a catechumenal journey that now flourishes in this celebration, in which they also received Confirmation and Eucharist.

On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, where it is remembered that the salvation of the world was given in the Cross of Christ, the Church in Shanghai renews its commitment to be a witness to the faith in the midst of contemporary society.