Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yi Chang (Agenzia Fides) – Five religious sisters of the Franciscan Order of the Child Jesus in the Diocese of Yi Chang made their perpetual vows on the First Sunday of the Missionary Month of October. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, the celebration was presided by the local Bishop Lv Shou Wang, and concelebrated by 25 priests. Another 24 sisters and over 400 faithful participated in this joyful moment for the religious, their congregation, and for the diocese.
The long history of the evangelization of the Diocese of Yi Chang, in the Province of Hu Bei, dates back to 1661, to French Jesuit Fr. Jacobus Motel, and later, Italian Jesuit Fr. Francesco Noel, from 1702-1719. In 1870, the Holy See entrusted the mission of E Nan, of which Yi Chang was a part, to Belgian Franciscans. The Apostolic Vicariate was established in 1924 and then the Diocese, in 1946 – the year in which the Chinese hierarchy was established. Today, the Diocese has over 25,000 faithful, 22 priests, 40 religious sisters of the Franciscan Order of the Child Jesus, 6 parishes, 13 churches, and 8 missionary stations.
The Franciscans of the Child Jesus has had three “founders” in its history: Bishop Alessio Maria Filippi, OFM, Bishop Benjamin Christiaens, OFM, and Bishop Theotime Verhaeghen OFM, who formed a group of consecrated virgins who lived in community. On this solid foundation, Bishop Modest Eueraets, OFM, founded the order on November 18, 1906, with 7 novices, entrusting their spiritual care to Fr. Mancel Sterckensies, OFM. Five years later, they were already 45 religious. A branch of the congregation was founded in Tai Pei in 1957. After the cultural revolution, the Diocese of Yi Change decided to restart the Congregation. The religious today are active in pastoral care and healthcare. They also work in printing/publishing, in collaboration with secular entities. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/10/2009)
