ASIA/CHINA - Catechists aware of the importance of evangelization and spirituality

Nan Chong (Agenzia Fides) – The 85 catechists, 3 religious, and 3 seminarians who attended the fourth edition of the training course for catechists organized by the Diocese of Nan Chong, in the Si Chuan province on mainland China, have now become more aware of the importance of evangelization and spirituality for their ministry. According to information received by Fides, during 10 days of training, which was held September 10 to 19 in the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, several topics were discussed: the letter of St. James, faith and real life, faith and evangelization, a summary of the history of Catholicism in China, spirituality and qualities of a Catholic catechist, and more. Finally, during the Closing Mass for the Course, the head of the diocese held a missionary “sending out” of the catechists.
Today the Diocese of Nan Chong (originally the Apostolic Vicariate of Shunking) consists of over 80,000 faithful, 15 priests, 25 religious, 11 major seminarians, and 30 churches. Within its territory lies the famous Benedictine monastery of Xi Shan, with its large square dedicated to the 12 Apostles, evident in the 12 gigantic statues of the Apostles, now a symbol and center of local Catholicism. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 25/09/2010)