ASIA/CHINA - Third training course for priests of the Diocese of Lan Zhou dedicated to the Sacred Scripture

Lan Zhou (Agenzia Fides) – More than 200 priests, along with a group of nuns and some lay faithful of the Diocese of Lan Zhou, took part in the third training course for priests in this Year for Priests, following the guidelines of Pope Benedict XVI. Organized by the diocese, the course was held October 19 to 25. Participants reflected on some major themes of Holy Scripture, such as the examination of passages from the Book of Genesis from the Old Testament and the Gospel of St. John from the New Testament. According to the organizers and participants, "a week is not very long, but it has been very useful for us because we were spiritually 'recharged' by the Word of God, which is the soul of theology and the source of life and Christian spirituality. "The active participation of the faithful in the course for priests is especially significant, because “all members of the diocese are in communion to put out into the depth of the mystery of the Word of God, thus firmly rooted in the evangelization of the diocese.”
The Diocese of Lan Zhou, the capital of the Province of Gan Su, a mission of the Divine Word Missionaries, is now composed of over 35,000 faithful, 30 priests, and more than 200 religious from 3 congregations (the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit, and the 2 Diocesan Congregations of the Holy Family and Daughters of Our Lady of China), 80 novices, and 40 seminarians. It also has 38 churches and chapels for worship. In addition, the Center for Social Services of the Diocese of Lan Zhou offers assistance to disabled children, the mentally and physically handicapped, and all those in need. It is very active, well-known, and appreciated by society. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 9/11/2009)