ASIA/CHINA - A couple of 80-year-old catechists prepare 26 catechumens for baptism in a remote village on the outskirts of Beijing

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - Thanks to the efforts of the missionary priest, Father Zhang Tian Lu, and the faithful of the parish of Yong Ning, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, in the outlying district of Chang Ping in Beijing, on July 5, 26 catechumens of a remote village in the area were baptized. According to information gathered by Fides Agency, their main catechists were a couple of 80-year-old, baptized in August last year. Their comment for the event was: "We are simple peasants, so we believe it is not our merit, but that of the Holy Spirit." Since the parish priest, Father Zhang arrived in the parish of Yong Ning he always invites dozens of lay faithful to go to the Basic Ecclesial Communities, every Thursday, to share the Sacred Scripture and catechism. On the last Thursday of the month he also celebrates Mass. The local situation is very complicated, inter alia, due to the spread of a Protestant sect, but Catholics, with their testimony of faith, have earned the respect of local people and also of the authorities, who have acknowledged the correctness of the Catholic community. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/7/2012)