China: Yiwu Parish Celebrates Fathers, Strengthens Bonds with International Catholic Community

The Catholic parish in Yiwu, a major trading hub in Zhejiang Province in eastern China often referred to as the "International Trade Capital," celebrated Father's Day on June 21 by honoring fathers from both the local Chinese and international Catholic communities with special gifts dedicated to St. Joseph, the parish's patron saint.

According to Agenzia Fides, the celebration highlighted the parish's ongoing efforts to strengthen communion between local Catholics and the thousands of foreign residents who live and work in the city.

More than 150 foreign Catholics attended the Mass, including faithful from Colombia, South Korea, India, and several African countries, many of whom are engaged in international trade and business in Yiwu. Following the Mass, the parish priest Fr. Chang Zhengguo presented Father's Day gifts to all fathers in attendance.

Agenzia Fides reported that Fr. Chang and the newly elected parish council organized the celebration as part of their pastoral commitment to fostering unity among the city's diverse Catholic population. Their ministry focuses on helping foreign Catholics and Chinese migrants who have moved to Yiwu for business, employment, entrepreneurship, or study become active members of parish life.

During the celebration, Fr. Chang thanked fathers for their indispensable role in family and Church life. He invited the faithful to pray for all fathers and encouraged them to follow the example of St. Joseph by living out their vocation with fidelity and love.

The fathers who received gifts represented several generations, from a young man celebrating his first Father's Day to an elderly father nearing 80 years of age. Their presence reflected the diverse and growing Catholic community in Yiwu.

Earlier, on June 17, the parish celebrated the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival by organizing a cultural gathering that included making zongzi, the traditional rice dumplings associated with the festival. Chinese and international parishioners participated together, offering foreign Catholics an opportunity to experience one of China's most cherished cultural traditions.

Agenzia Fides noted that the parish remains committed to ensuring that Catholics from different countries can freely practice their faith within China's legal framework. Together with the local clergy and faithful, the parish continues to build a welcoming spiritual home while promoting evangelization, communion, and mutual understanding among believers from different cultures.