Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zhou Zhi (Agenzia Fides) - “Read the Bible, help evangelize” was the theme for the Encounter promoted by the parish of Xing Ping, in the Diocese of Zhou Zhi in Shaan Xi, held this past Sunday, November 16. The faithful participated with great enthusiasm in the prayer, the proclamation of Bible passages, and a round-table discussion on Sacred Scripture in Christian life. According to the pastor, “the result was unexpected, the active participation of parishioners of all ages has been amazing. After this experience, we have been encouraged and I think that the initiative will become a tradition in the parish.”
The parish of Xing Ping has nearly 6,000 members, and is made up of 14 churches. The Diocese of Zhou Zhi is located in the center of Guan Zhong, in the province of Shaan Xi. Being a Apostolic Prefecture in 1932, it became a diocese in 1951. Today, the diocese has over 65,000 faithful, 60 priests (many of whom have studied outside the country and some are now in Europe and the United States studying), 208 religious sisters and 120 seminarians. The diocese has over 200 churches, 100 prayer sites, and 2 Marian shrines: the Shrine of the Mount of the Cross and the Shrines of Our Lady of Hu Xian. Up until today, the Diocese of Zhou Zhi has remained always faithful to its long tradition of faith, rich in priestly vocations and in consecrated life. Many priests and religious of Zhou Zhi perform pastoral services in other dioceses such as Beijing, Shang Hai, Xin Jiang, and Jiang Xi. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2008)
