Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Yuan (Agenzia Fides) - The archdiocese of Tai Yuan, Tai Yuan is the main city in the Shan Xi province of China, closed the year 2005 thanking God for abundant fruits of evangelisation and the centenary of the consecration of the cathedral dedicated to Immaculate Mary. For Christmas a hundred thousand people gathered for mass, and only days afterwards on 1 January 5,000 people gathered again for a solemn Mass to close centenary celebrations: one hundred years of history, events, thanksgiving and witness. Fifty seven priests concelebrated and it was underlined that commitment for evangelisation is necessary for a prosperous future for the archdiocese.
Besides various well attended celebrations, other centenary events organised by Tai Yuan archdiocese from 9 April 2005 included: 1st diocesan Eucharistic congress, held in Bei Gu Nian on 7 May on the theme “I am with you always to the end of time” (Mt 28,20); Bible Seminar 11 June; Catechetical Seminar 13 July; youth meeting 12 - 14 July; Concert 6 August; Mission Congress on the theme “putting into practice the mission of the people of God to proclaim the Gospel and sanctify the people” 20 August; Psalm reading 17 September; cultural spectacle l October; concert of religious music 5 November and closing Mass 31 December. Over 6.000 priests, religious laity, seminarians and catechumens of 9 parishes took part in the celebrations.
Tai Yuan archdiocese created in 1946 was a Franciscan mission and the first Bishop was Franciscan Agapito Fiorentini. According to the “Guide to the Catholic Church in China 2004” published by China Catholic Communication (Singapore), Tai Yuan archdiocese has 25 parishes and about 90 churches and chapels; about 70.000 Catholics, 45 priests 30 Sisters and 47 seminarians studying at Montecorvino Seminary Shan Xi (named after Italian missionary Montecorvino 1247-1328), archbishop of Kambalik, today Beijing). It has two Marian shrines, Our Lady of Graces and Our Lady of Sorrows, a Catholic charity centre, a library and a small shop which sells religious articles. (Agenzia Fides 27/01/2006 Righe: 36 Parole: 437)
