Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zhou Cun (Agenzia Fides) – Nearly 500 faithful participated in the rite of solemn profession of perpetual vows for two religious sisters of the the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception in the Diocese of Zhou Cun, in the Province of Shan Dong. The event took place in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on September 16. According to the faithful, “everyone is happy about these two new members of the diocesan congregation, which is small and yet so effective and important for the mission of our diocesan community.” Twelve priests concelebrated in a Mass presided by the Bishop of the Diocese. Also participating instensely in the rite, and moved to tears by the event, were the other Sisters and the family and friends of the two nuns. The Diocese of Zhou Cun, historically a Franciscan mission, begun in 1636, and becoming an Apostolic Prefecture in 1930, an Apostolic Vicariate in 1937, and a Diocese in 1946, the year of the establishment of the Hierarchy in China. Today, the Diocese has over 35,000 faithful, 12 priests, 5 seminarians, 60 churches and 360 ecclesial base communities. The diocesan Congregation of the Immaculate Conception has recently seen a considerable growth. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2008)
