Agenzia Fides

Tian Jin (Agenzia Fides) - "Put the Word of God in the center of life and put it into practice in life" is the exhortation to 243 catechumens who received Baptism, Confirmation and first Eucharist at the solemn celebration that was held on May 28 at the Cathedral of the Diocese of Xi Kai in the diocese of Tian Jin. According to Faith of He Bei and diocesan sources, the new believers are the fruit of collective mobilization for evangelization, launched by the parish and the pastor in person, with the slogan "Everyone has to preach, and in service." In addition to the personal commitment of hundreds of volunteers and catechists, evangelization on-line contributed to this gratifying result, a new initiative of the parish exclusively for young people and Internet users. According to statistics released by the parish, the 243 newly baptized on average are around 32 years old, 70% of those who enrolled in catechism. Among them, 70% are graduates, 78% live in an urban area and 11% in rural areas. The new catechism course was announced, which begins on August 28.
The Cathedral of Xi Kai, dedicated to St. Joseph, of the Diocese of Tian Jin, was built in 1914 in Romanesque style and can accommodate over 2,000 people. The "French Church" was called Mission of the Lazarists by the locals. The parish now has more than 30,000 people, it is very lively and also uses modern technology and mass media to promote evangelism. It was among the first parishes to open a website and recently opened a blog on evangelization. The Diocese of Jing Tian is a great Catholic community, where Catholicism has had a remarkable development. And one of the most important metropolises in China, under the direct administration of the central government, such as Beijing, Shang Hai Chong Qing. According to the Guide to the Catholic Church in China 2008, the diocesan community has over 100,000 faithful, thirty or forty priests and religious of the Community of Charity, as well as a few dozen seminarians. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/30/2011)