Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Han Dan (Agenzia Fides) – More than 1,800 faithful witnessed the great moment when six priests were ordained in the Diocese of Han Dan, celebrated on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, 25 March. According to information received by Fides, 99 priests concelebrated the Mass, floowing a grand procession, led by diocesan Bishop Yang Xiang Tai. In his homily the Bishop underlined that choosing to become a priest is beautiful, expressing his hope of Christian families to support this vocation. The new priests gave thanks to the Lord for calling them, to their parents for making them available to serve the Church, to the diocese which gave them formation and spiritual guidance, and to all those who prayed for them during their vocational journeys.
The Diocese of Han Dan, which includes 19 civil districts, is in the south of Hebei province. It was one of the largest dioceses in the province and one with the greatest development and growth on the continent. There are more than 130,000 Catholics from a population of 8.3 million people. Evangelisation in the diocese dates back to the great Jesuit missionary Fr Matteo Ricci, who travelled there in the 1500s. The diocese was created in 1946. There are currently more than 100 churches and chapels, 75 priests, 247 religious sisters, and 40 seminarians. The diocese also operates several clinics, dispensaries and social care facilities. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/04/2011)
