Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Min Dong (Agenzia Fides) – Learning and reflection in the evangelizing spirit of St. Paul was the goal of the Bible Study Course that took place in this Year of St. Paul in the parish of Fu An, in the Diocese of Min Dong, in the southeastern province of Fu Jian, in mainland China. According to the parish priest, “in this manner the faithful can gain a greater knowledge of the meaning of evangelization through the Letters of St. Paul and they will more easily be able to carry out their mission in the future. Therefore, this is the best way to close the Year of St. Paul.” During this year, the parish has invited priests and religious from all over China to help the parishes learn about and understand Saint Paul, realizing the beauty of the missionary vocation received from the Lord, identifying themselves with Saint Paul, and imitating him in their own parishes.
A hike that took place during the course, helped parishioners to admire the beauty of the Lord's creation. During the initial meetings, at the beginning of the Year of St. Paul, there were less than 10 participants, but now over 100 parishioners have done the course, becoming active workers in the evangelization of their parish and their neighborhood. The parishioners of Fu An, a community with over 100 years' history, today pray and share Sacred Scripture together. As the parish priest explains: “The Bible is a Book that can never be exhausted. It is also a loving letter from an affectionate Heavenly Father who has written to His children on earth, showing us how we should live our earthly pilgrimage.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/05/2009)
