Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zhu Ma Dian (Fides Service) - It all started 73 years ago when 20 Chinese priests of Zhu Ma Dian guided by the Apostolic Prefect Mgr Peter Wang overcame the harsh trial of lack of funds and personnel and red tape and initiated what was to become some years later the diocese of the province of Henan run exclusively by ecclesial personnel of Chinese origin which counted at the time 25,000 faithful.
Today the new generation of the Catholic community is walking the same path as its predecessors, building a community which makes progress thanks to Divine Providence. Rev. LiuYa Jing, the administrator ordained a priest in 1953 says: “We invoked the help of the Queen of Peace. We followed the words of Saint Paul, building the church and the community with our own hands. We received help from Buddhists, Protestant pastors and civil organisations. In 1980 we organised a series of formation courses for lay leaders and catechists of Basic Church Communities. Experienced showed this was the right decision because today they are the supporting pillars of the community. In 1990 we reopened the Seminary. In 16 years of life we formed 207 seminarians and 116 of these continued their studies at the major seminary and 57 became priests. Today there are 38 seminarians (major and minor) who are a source of hope for the entire province. Today our diocese has over 60,000 faithful, about ten priests, 27 parishes, 120 catechists, and 20 women religious belonging to a diocesan congregation of Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. All the personnel religious and lay is involved in pastoral work and social services” (Agenzia Fides 03/03/2006 Righe: 25 Parole: 265)
