Diocese’s Chinese Catholics represented at Asian, Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage

Hosted by the Asian and Pacific Catholic Network in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the 21st Annual Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage was held May 4 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

A group of Chinese Catholics and friends from both the Metuchen Diocese and the Newark Archdiocese joined the pilgrimage.

An opening procession, including a welcoming drum by St. Andrew Kim Korean Church of Maryland and led by the Knights of Columbus, saw more than 22 various groups from different Asian countries with their statues and portraits of Mary, flower arches and banners process to the front altar.

“A Call to Prayer” followed, featuring sacred songs and movements performed by three different cultural groups wearing their own traditional dresses. – Our Lady of Vietnam Catholic Church of Maryland, the Chinese Catholic community from New Jersey, and the Montagnard Catholic Community from North Carolina.

An Indonesian group crowned a statue of Mary. Before the pilgrimage Mass, for which Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States served as principal celebrant, the joyful mysteries of the Rosary were led by five different languages from different Asian communities.

This was the second year that the Chinese faithful group performed the “Call to Prayer” at the annual API Marian pilgrimage. Felician Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, liaison to the Chinese Community of Newark Archdiocese, who organized this event for the New Jersey Chinese group said “the worship dance is not only the way to praise and thank God, but also to share our culture with others. Furthermore, it could be a vehicle to evangelize and reach out to others.”  According to her, their dance group welcomes women of all faiths including Catholics, Protestants and those who seek God.

“We deeply appreciate those who offered support for us. Our heart-felt thanks to pastor Father David V. Skoblow, Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Piscataway; Deacon Rick Fortune and Father Timothy A. Christy, rector, of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, for offering their church basements for our final rehearsals. We also give our special thanks to Sherry Chen, our choreographer and dance teacher,” said Sister Dong Hong Marie.

This article was contributed by Felician Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, liaison to the Chinese Community of  the Newark Archdiocese.