Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Yuan (Fides Service) - Recently the diocese of Tai Yuan main town in Shan Xi province of mainland China held its first Eucharistic Congress in the parish of Bei Gu Nian. According to the bulletin Faith published in Hebei, over 1,400 people, priests, religious, seminarians, lay persons and catechumens took part in the Congress on the theme “Behold, I am with you always even to the end of time” (Mt 28,20).
This first Eucharistic Congress was held as part of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.
The Congress included a procession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In his homily the priest urged the people to draw near to the Jesus in the precious gift of the Eucharist. At the end of the congress the participants present plan for adoration of the Eucharist encouraging people to sign up for a period of time.
Tai Yuan Franciscan mission became a diocese in 1946. According to the 2002 Handbook of the Catholic Church in Cina, Faith Press, Hebei, Tai Yuan diocese has 25 parishes and about 90 churches and chapels; 70,000 Catholics 45 priests (8 elderly and 37 young); 30 sisters and 47 seminarians. There are two Marian shrines Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of Sorrows. The Catholic community runs a charity service centre and a library with a small shop with religious articles.
(Agenzia Fides 14/06/2005 Righe: 28 Parole: 317)
