Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Catholics in He Bei recently welcomed religious brothers and sisters, as well as priests who came to visit from the United States, Ireland, and Philippines. They celebrated a Mass together in the Diocese of Jing Xian on October 15, during this month dedicated to the missions, sharing their testimonies of their faith experiences. The visiting priests concelebrated in a Mass presided by Bishop Feng Xin Mao of Jing Xian, along with other diocesan priests. One of the visiting priests gave the homily. Later, they went to visit various Catholic communities in He Bei.
The Chinese province of He Bei is a Catholic stronghold, registering the largest number of Catholics. It has been the pioneer in evangelization in every field, in social services (with Jinde Charities), houses for the elderly, orphanages...), in social communications (with “Faith” Communications, which include a daily paper, an on-line version, the Center for Culture and Catholic Studies, and Faith Art Studio), in pastoral structures (Union of Superiors of Feminine Institutes, a Major Seminary, a foundation for formation and vocations)...Today, the community is divided into 9 dioceses, with over 1,500,000 faithful, 240 priests, and over 800 religious sisters. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2008)
