Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hsin Chu (Agenzia Fides) – A Sacred Music Concert with the theme of: “Hymn of Love” opened the celebrations held for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese of Hsin Chu's Cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In addition to the Mass presided by Bishop John B. Li, Diocesan Bishop, the community has sought to take advantage of the event to open its doors to everyone, so as to “evangelize with music.” The Cathedral is, in fact, a building that is the symbol of the city of Hsin Chu, and the people love to admire the beauty of the structure from the outside. But now, the Catholic community has invited people to also admire it from within, using the universal language of music. In the spirit of the guidelines given by the Regional Bishops' Conference of Taiwan, calling the people to “open the doors of the Church to society,” the Concert has been a great success.
According to the “Catholic Church Directory Taiwan 2004,” the Diocese of Hsin Chu was established on March 21, 1961, and has 52, 228 Catholics, 87 priests (40 diocesan, 47 religious; 33 Chinese, 54 foreigners), 6 brothers, 177 religious sisters, 7 major seminarians, 19 minor seminarians, 142 catechists, 5 deacons, 84 parishes, 50 missionary stations, and 148 “semi-public” Churches. The Church also runs 1 Catechetical Institute, 4 technical-linguistic schools, 54 kindergartens, 2 pre-schools, 4 grammar schools, 2 hospitals, 2 clinics, 2 homes for the elderly, and 7 centers for mentally-challenged children. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 23/10/2008)
