Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tian Jin (Fides Service) - Between 1986 and 1999 the annual number of baptisms in Xi Kai cathedral Tian Jin diocese was less than a hundred. But since the year 2000 and the beginning of the new millennium the number of people baptised every year has risen steadily reaching a peak of 238 last year 2004. The number of people asking to prepare for baptism has also increased visibly. These numbers may seem small but for the local community and its efforts to evangelise they are a welcome fruit. The secret of this success is that cathedral parishioners are very welcoming to visitors, in fact the parish gates bear a large sign with the words of Jesus “Come and See” and its catechists are very well trained. Since it is a public place the cathedral is visited by tourists as well as people interested in the Catholic faith. For the latter the cathedral opened a special Faith Information Office which gives all the details about courses and preparation. The parish priest says “every opportunity to evangelise must be taken. We cannot send away those whom the Lord sends us.” (Agenzia Fides 23/07/2005 Righe: 13 Parole: 162)
