ASIA/CHINA - Exhibition on the history of the Catholic community in Nan Chong attracts more than 8,000 visitors mainly non Christians in two months

Nan Chong (Fides Service) - To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help people know more about the Lord and his Church, the Catholic community in Nan Chong, Si Chuan province in south west mainland China, 1,400km from Beijing opened an exhibition on the development of Christianity in Nan Chong. The exhibition, hosted by the local Trappist monastery, covers various sectors: doctrine, liturgy, community activities. Exhibits include vestments, religious habits, chalices, crosses, incensories, various editions of the Bible, some of which are very precious. Guided explanation by Sisters make the visit all the more interesting. During the cultural revolution the monastery was used as a radio factory. Today it is one again a place of prayer and labour which radiates faith in Christ. From when it was opened on 30 January to Easter Sunday 27 March the exhibition attracted 8,000 visitors, mainly non Christians. Today the Catholic community in Nan Chong consists of 70,000 Catholics assisted by 15 priests and there are ten churches. (Agenzia Fides 24/05/2005 Righe: 14 Parole: 216)