ASIA/CHINA - The 376 people confirmed in the parish of Zhao Cheng will become “seeds of evangelisation” throughout China

Hong Dong (Agenzia Fides) – It is the first time in 30 years in this area, the parish of Zhao Cheng in the Diocese of Hong Dong (formerly Lin Fen) Shan Xi province, that the Sacrament of Confirmation has been conferred on so many of the faithful: on 12 February there were 376 people confirmed. A further 10 catechumens are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion this Easter. According to information sent to Fides, Bishop Huo Cheng, Ordinary of the Diocese of Fen Yang, presided over the solemn celebration of Confirmation, during which he encouraged the candidates to be “sentinels of Christ to defend the faith and witness to the faith”. Il Pastor invited everyone to pray that the candidates from the parish of Zhao Cheng become “seeds pf evangelisation” with the grace of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that they flower throughout China. The Diocese of Hong Dong (originally Lin Fen) is composed of more than 30,000 faithful, 37 parishes, 30 priests, about 70 religious sisters from the diocesan congregation of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and 30 seminarians. The diocese also runs a hospital, three clinics and and ophthalmology clinic. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 21/02/2011)