ASIA/CHINA - Over 300 faithful attend the temporal vows of 6 novices from the Congregation of the Mother of God of Da Ming, who were among the first aid workers to arrive on the scene, in the earthquake aftermath

Han Dan (Agenzia Fides) – 6 novices from the Diocesan Congregation of the Diocese of Da Ming (present day Han Dan), the Institute of the Mother of God of Da Ming, made their temporal vows accompanied by over 300 faithful and nearly 100 of their Sisters, during a Mass concelebrated by 13 priests. The Congregation of the Mother of God of Da Ming has a long history. It now has 115 members that work in the area of missions, pastoral ministry, health, and services for disadvantaged or disabled children. Immediately following the earthquake on May 12, they left with the first group of Catholic volunteers, coordinated by Jinde Charities, to bring aid to the area, and their service has been most appreciated by all. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2008)