Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Han Dan (Agenzia Fides) - More than one hundred elderly people - including about 20 non Catholics - took part in a course for the elderly organised by the parish of Da Zhai, Cheng An district in the diocese of Han Dan from 3 to 7 November. A seminarian, Zhu Xi Xin, and two women religious were invited by the parish priest to lead the course in catechism for the elderly who were also given a free medical examination. The participants said: “I never thought I would learn so much at my age. I know much more about the faith now. I have always prayed the rosary during Mass”. The non Catholic participants said: “Catholics are very kind, they give us physical and moral assistance”. The course ended with a Mass and the Sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
The diocese of Han Dan, which includes 19 districts is situated in the south of the province of He Bei. It has a population of 8,380,000 including 130,000 Catholics. The area was first evangelised by Jesuit Fr. Matteo Ricci, in 1500. Han Dan diocese was created in 1946. It has over a hundred chapels and churches, 58 priests, 40 seminarians, 200 women religious of two diocesan congregations. The diocese runs several dispensaries, medical centres and social assistance centres. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/11/2007 - righe 20, parole 284)
