ASIA/CHINA - Diocese of Ning Xia holds a Solemn Mass for the newly-baptized of 2007, accompanied by the community on their journey in the faith

Ning Xia (Agenzia Fides) - “Our Christian family does not forget their brothers and sisters who have been baptized during 2007. We unite in asking the Lord to bless them.” These were the words of Bishop Li Jing, recently assigned Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Ning Xia, during the Mass celebrated in honor of the 200 newly-baptized faithful, who were also presented with a medal. The solemn celebration took place on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 2. In 2007, there were 107 people baptized in the Easter Vigil. Among those baptized, were also entire families who converted to Catholicism, from grandparents to small children. Bishop Jing explained in the homily that, “in welcoming our brothers and sisters baptized during this year, we ask the Lord to bestow His blessing upon them. We hope that the faith they have received in Baptism may be strengthened and that they may truly live as Christians.” Some of the newly-baptized shared their enthusiasm, most importantly in gratitude for a year of Christian life, expressing their appreciation for the love and care that they have received from the Christian community.
The story of the evangelization of the Ning Xia diocese dates back to 1879, thanks to the work carried out by Fr. Karel Van Sante and Fr. Alfons Bermyn, CICM (Scheut Missionaries). In 1922, an Apostolic Vicariate was established and on March 18 of the same year, the CICM province of Ning Xia was formed. The Diocesan Congregation of the Missionaries of Mary was founded by the then Apostolic Vicar Bishop Gaspar Scotte, CICM, in 1931. Today, the diocese of Ning Xia has over 8,000 faithful, 14 churches and chapels, 1 Bishop, and an Auxiliary Bishop, who was recently consecrated, with the approval of the Holy See. In addition, there are 10 priests, 1 deacon, 5 seminarians, 13 religious sisters, and 4 novices of the Missionaries of Mary. The religious administer 3 clinics. Every year, there are close to 200 baptized. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2008; righe 24, parole 328)