Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shang Hai (Agenzia Fides) – “We are people who unite, we are Christians, we are evangelisers, we are light, we are salt”: this was the theme of the 12th Formation Course for teachers of catechism in the diocese of Shang Hai, held 29 June to 4 July. Bishop Giuseppe Xing Wen Zhi, auxiliary bishop of the diocese, presided the solemn opening and closing Masses, conferring the missionary mandate on 86 teachers who had completed the Course. Besides the missionary cross and a lighted candle, the Bishop gave the teachers material for catechism and a CD of sacred music as tools for their mission. The Bishop announced that “during the year of the Priesthood the diocese intends to improve the organisation of the Children's Summer Camp, which is the starting point of religious formation, and he remind the teachers of their important task”.
The diocese is deeply committed to formation. The group for the formation of catechists was consolidated in 2004 with the addition of new technology. Today lessons can also be followed via video, on-line, with well prepared formators. Unlike previous editions this 12th Course for Formation was attended by more lay people among the 86 participants and less seminarians and women religious, as the organiser Rev Niu confirmed: “The third millennium in the epoch of the laity, we were told by Pope John Paul II. Let us follow this teaching and also the indications of our diocesan bishop, making more room for committed lay Catholics. We wish to form them to play an important role in the life of the Church as efficient helpers for priests to promote evangelisation in the parish”. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 09/07/2009 - righe 24, parole 257)
