Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bao Ding (Agenzia Fides) - The first Cultural Festival organized by the Cathedral of the Diocese of Bao Ding, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, took place on July 2, on the day of the 106th anniversary of the founding of the church, after an impressive work restoration, the most challenging undertaken since its foundation, which dates precisely to 1905. According to information gathered by Fides, the pastor explained that this initiative intends to "re-launch mission of this centuries-old church through religious culture. So people get to know the Mystery of Salvation, promote evangelization among Catholics, strengthen their faith, and to bring Jesus and the Church to the non-Catholics. "During the Cultural Festival it was possible to visit an exhibition that featured hundreds of photographs on 106 years of the church’s history, liturgical garments used for Mass in the 1930s and 1940s, photographs of pilgrimages taken by parishioners in recent years; paintings by Catholics and non-Catholics who describe the Church according to their way of thinking. A concert of sacred music also attracted the attention of many people, not just Catholics. The day after, on Sunday, July 3, the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by His Exc. Mgr. An Shu Xin, Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Bao Ding was held, which was attended by over 800 faithful.
The Cathedral of the Diocese of Bao Ding dedicated to Sts. Peter and Paul was built by a French missionary in 1905 in Gothic style. Along its 106 years of life, it has shared the vicissitudes of the local Catholic community. In February, work began on the restoration, financed by the government since the church is a provincial cultural heritage. Thanks also to the generous donations of parishioners and Catholics from other communities, restoration was concluded in June. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 07/07/2011)
