Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zhou Zhi (Agenzia Fides) – Among the most popular initiatives in many Catholic communities in view of the Chinese New Year, is the visiting of families of priests, men and women religious, by members of the community, to thank them on behalf of everyone for the gifts of their children and relatives to the Church, to bring them greetings for the new year and to verify their possible needs. According to information received by Fides, also the parish of Bo Xing in the Diocese of Zhou Cun, Shan Dong province, visited the families of priests and men and women religious in the diocese. Bo Xing is a parish rich in vocations which in recent years has given the Church as many as three Bishops, five priests, five religious sisters and a religious brother. In addition to the greetings and the Lord's blessing, members of the community brought food for the feast, offered by a local Catholic. The Diocese of Zhou Cun is famous for its abundant vocations. According to the pastor, “our attention to the families of those who followed the vocation to the priesthood and religious life is also a way to promote vocations which helps you focus on the mission.”
The promotion of vocations in the mainland community is also demonstrated by this continual service and support. The parish of Fei Xiang in the Diocese of Han Dan, in fact, received with great warmth and enthusiasm its new priest, Father Ma Du Jun, on 29 January. Fr Don is the 11th priest from the parish of Xiang Fei, which counts more than 9,000 among its faithful and he is the first priest from his village of origin. During the solemn Eucharist, the celebrant encouraged the faithful to accompany the vocations spiritually and morally, always praying that they may be abundant. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2011)
