Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tang Shan (Agenzia Fides) – In the footsteps of St John Marie Vianney, the retreat for priests from the Diocese of Tang Shan, He Bei province, began yesterday, 14 February. According to a note received by Fides, the retreat, which concludes on 18 February, is being held in the cathedral with the participation of the Ordinary, Bishop Fang Jian Ping. Father Yao Shun from the Diocese of Ji Ning was invited to lead the spiritual direction. At the centre of the retreat are: the priesthood; the importance of the spiritual life; the challenges and the opportunities that exist for priests today in China; the holiness of St John Marie Vianney; the journey of holiness of St Teresina.
The diocese of Tang Shan (Yong Ping) was originally a Dutch Vincentian mission, belonging to the Apostolic Vicar of East He Bei since 1899. The diocese was created in 1946, the year the Chinese hierarchy was established. Today the diocese has more than 45,000 faithful, 34 priests, 50 religious Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The diocese also runs a retirement home for the elderly and the Tian Min clinic (God and his people). During the disastrous 1976 earthquake, which virtually destroyed the city, even the structures of the Church suffered serious damages. In recent years, 28 new churches have been built. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/02/2011)
