Tai Yuan (Fides Service) - Since young Father Guo Quan Zhi, ordained on 24 August 1997, took charge of Yang Jia Pu di Tai Yuan parish in Shan Xi province, which has always been traditionally in the care of the Franciscans, he has adapted his pastoral work to the local situation, holding frequent meetings with the women Religious in the parish and lay members the Franciscan Third Order, as well as old people and children. Father Guo Quan Zhi is convinced that children can transmit everything they learn at catechism classes and at Mass to their parents and grandparents.
And this is what happened. According to Faith, a Catholic news bulletin published in Hebei, because of a boom in the housing market in China, land and houses are becoming a motive for social and family quarrels. This has affected also some Christian families, putting the Catholic community in a bad light. Rev. Guo Quan Zhi was concerned to see his people involved in disputes and even violence. Besides praying personally that the families would be reconciled, with the help of some parishioners he organised hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, visits to families to help restore family peace. His efforts were rewarded and today most of the families in the parish have settled their disputes. What is more Catholic families helping non Christian families to overcome their problems and restore family peace have led many new people to ask to know more about faith in Jesus Christ.
(Agenzia Fides 24/06/2004 Lines: 21 Words: 247)