Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Xing Tai (Agenzia Fides) – Over 1,500 faithful from the Diocese of Xing Tai and also from other dioceses in China participated with great joy in the ordination of two new local priests, on November 10, despite the heaviest snowstorm in half a century. Bishop Feng Xin Mao, Ordinary of the Diocese of Heng Shui (Jing Xian) was invited to preside the solemn ordination ceremony. According to information received by Fides, the day before, November 9, he had also presided over the ordination of two deacons of the Diocese of Xing Tai. Some sixty priests were present in the ceremony, coming from Inner Mongolia, Shan Xi, Tian Jin, He Nan and many other dioceses, to concelebrate in the Mass. There were about 80 seminarians and 50 religious. The rite took on special meaning as it has occurred during the celebration of the Year for Priests: the priests and faithful received the two new priests and two deacons with great joy, considering them new vital energy in the evangelizing of the community. Today, the Diocese of Xing Tai has over 100,000 faithful, with about 50 priests and 170 churches and chapels. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2009)
