Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yan Ji (Fides Service) - The community of 4,000 Catholics in Yan Ji in the north eastern Ji Ling province of mainland China is 80% Korean ethnic origin. The lively community, clergy and lay people is active in catechism, prayer groups, pastoral care, and effective initiatives for evangelisation as well as social service in various fields.
Its liturgical life is marked by typical Korean joy. People come to church not only to pray but to meet, talk and celebrate. The Mass celebrated in Korean is always accompanied by songs and liturgical dancing. The community always keeps an important anniversary, 15 October, the date on which in 1989 the first Korean deacon was ordained a priest. Since that date the people can take part in Mass and make their confession in their native language .
Local Han Chinese priests also learn Korean to be able to serve the people better. Catholic religious in Yan Ji diocese are involved in education and hospital care. The parish priest Fr Lian Chang Yuan says: “Koreans have a strong sense of responsibility and desire to grow in zeal and dedication”. (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2005 Righe: 21 Parole: 235
