China Parish Brings Together 45 Nationalities at Fourth International Cultural Festival

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Shenzhen, southern China, brought together parishioners representing 45 countries for its Fourth International Multicultural Festival on October 25, celebrating cultural diversity through prayer, food, traditional crafts and performances, according to Xinde.org.

Held under the theme “Meet in Shenzhen, Witness Miracles,” the festival aimed to strengthen intercultural relationships, promote community service and advance the Sinicization of Catholicism, the process of integrating Catholic faith with Chinese culture and society.

The event also highlighted Shenzhen’s international character as the city prepares to welcome the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Shenzhen, a major economic and technology hub in Guangdong province bordering Hong Kong, has developed into one of China's most internationally connected cities.

The festival opened with a Marian procession led by a statue of Our Lady of China, followed by statues of Mary representing different artistic traditions. Clergy, parish groups and faithful carried flags from 45 countries, expressing the parish's commitment to unity amid cultural diversity.

During the Eucharistic celebration, a priest reflected on the theme “Building Relationships, Exchanging Ideas, and Growing Together in the Love of Christ.”

He encouraged participants to put their faith into practice through mutual acceptance, learning from different cultures, caring for creation and working together for the common good.

The offertory procession involved 60 parishioners from the Chinese-speaking and international communities, symbolizing their shared journey of faith.

The festival featured more than 200 varieties of food from over 40 countries, including regional Chinese cuisines and international dishes. Organizers described the shared meal as an expression of fellowship, generosity and cultural exchange.

Traditional crafts also featured prominently. Exhibits included Dai brocade from Yunnan province, traditional tie-dye and horse-tail embroidery, presented alongside contemporary creative products.

One featured artwork, The Annunciation, depicted the biblical scene through traditional Chinese enamel techniques associated with intangible cultural heritage.

Original works by the parish's Angels Art Group were also exhibited and offered for sale. A World Cup-inspired stage design and cultural performances added to the program.

A choir performed Michael Jackson's “Heal the World,” calling for peace, love and harmony among people of different cultures.

The festival sought to demonstrate how the parish could preserve its Catholic identity while engaging with Chinese cultural traditions and the wider international community.

Anchored in the belief that “God is Love,” St. Anthony's Church presented the gathering as an expression of faith through cultural exchange, hospitality and service to society.