Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Yuan (Fides) - Ice and snow in the north western Shaan Xi province of China did not keep local Catholics from taking part in a Mass for the final profession of six local Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. During Mass presided by the Bishop and concelebrated by several priests, in front of family, friends and the six young women took final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They also received a mandate from the Mother Superior for service at a local clinic, parish and convent. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary are very active in the diocese of San Yuan in the fields of catechesis, pastoral and social service and assisting the elderly and the poor.
San Yuan diocese created in 1946 started as a Franciscan mission. Today there are 35,000 Catholics assisted by 34 priests and over 80 women religious of three communities, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary (diocesan congregations) and the congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. The diocese has 40 churches, 12 chapels, 5 clinics and a home for the elderly. (Agenzia Fides 18/03/2006 Righe: 18 Parole: 227)
