Nineveh's Crossing: The Holy Spirit is Alive and Well in Beijing, China

Sunday, July 17, 2022

The Holy Spirit is Alive and Well in Beijing, China

Check out this photo from an on-line newsletter issued by the Xicheng (Church of the Savior) Catholic Church, a historic Catholic church in the Xicheng District, Beijing, China. It is a picture taken July 17, 2022, the first Sunday the church was reopened after being closed for a year by the government over COVID-19 fears. But present on this day (pictured) was a bishop, four priests, and 101 newly baptized and confirmed Catholics, a close friend among them who took the baptism name, Anastasia.

Anastasia writes: "Do mention it (the confirmation) and show my pictures if you think it is helpful. And tell your church that you and Pam being Catholic and your mentorship albeit virtual and never in person was pivotal in my decision to be a Catholic,"

Anastasia is an international consultant working in the past for the UN and now for a European firm with offices in Beijing. Below are a couple of her pictures and a video of her reading prayers during the Mass. We "met" virtually when she was studying for her Masters in European Governance while in Germany. She had read my screenplay structure book, "The Moral Premise" and established contact with me because she hoped to be a writer of stories. Over time, (she's a very good writer) I established a blog for her titled "No Smell of Smoke: Musings from China in the Burning Love of God (Daniel 3:94)."

Anastasia with her sponsor/God Mother, an economics professor.

Anastasia was asked to read prayers for the deceased and sinners during the Mass. A great honor that took her by surprise. But she is very poised, well spoken and an experienced conference leader. We were not surprised as we've talked with her via zoom a number of times during her international travels.