Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Yuan (Agenzia Fides) - Over 700 citizens were visited or treated by a doctor in the first 4 hours of Free Healthcare Day organised by the Cathedral Charity Service diocese of Tai Yuan, in the province of Shan Xi. The event took place in front of the cathedral on Sunday 14 May. 22 Catholic doctors and volunteers from various parts of the diocese checked blood pressure, eyes and general health. This was not the first time and many people came to see doctors they had already seen before. “They are kind and competent” said people who had brought friends and acquaintances “because it is free and to meet these wonderful people”. With this initiative the Catholic community intends to evangelise showing society the loving face of God through Catholic volunteers and doctors.
The Cathedral Charity Service also organises prayers for the needy, the dying, families with difficulties, medical carte at home, promote Christian marriage (marriage counselling, helping young Christians to meet,), medical care for the elderly. The cathedral parish has about 2,000 Catholics involved in charity service, a library and a shop which sells books and religious objects .
Tai Yuan archdiocese was originally a Franciscan mission. According to the “Guide to the Catholic Church in China 2004”, it has 25 parishes and about 90 churches and chapels, 70,000 Catholics, 45 priests, 30 nuns and 47 seminarians. There are two Marian shrines dedicated respectively to Our Lady of Grace and the Sorrowful Mother. (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2006 Righe: 34 Parole: 373)
