The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in his Letter of 27th May 2007 to the Catholics of the People's Republic of China, expressed his desire that a Day of Prayer for the Church in China be celebrated annually on 24th May, "the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Mariam Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai" (n. 19).

This year, His Holiness has wanted to address a special invitation to all Catholics in the world to pray for the Church in China. For this reason, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of His Holiness, has requested this Apostolic Nunciature to send you a copy of the text of the General Audience of Wednesday, 18th May 2011. During the Audience Pope Benedict XVI said "all Catholics have a duty to pray for the Church in China: those members of the faithful have a right to our prayers, they need our prayers".

At the same time the Cardinal encourages the Bishops and priests during these days to attach a specific intention during the Eucharistic celebration for the Church in China and to organize special prayers or Eucharistic adoration in every Diocese for our Chinese brothers in faith.