Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yi Du (Agenzia Fides) - According to reports by Faith of He Bei to Fides, the parish of Nan Huo Ling of Yi Du, province of Shan Dong, celebrated the solemn dedication of the church to S. Francis Xavier on the day of the liturgical feast of the Patron of the Universal Mission and the Mission in China, on December 3. Over 400 faithful took part in this important moment in the life of the community, with particular affection. In fact, the land for the construction of the new church was offered by a parishioner and also the costs of construction were almost entirely covered by donations from parishioners. A ninety-year-old donated 3 000 yuan (about 500 euros) for this purpose-his entire life savings. The bell tower was completed in 2009.
The community of Yi Du (Wei Fang now) is a small but active community in the mission. Every year on the occasion of World Mission Day, the 9 parishes take the Gospel to villages and remote areas to promote the mission of evangelization and organize the market for religious items, such as embroidery of the Cross paintings on biblical themes made by the local faithful ... All proceeds are destined exclusively to evangelization. Currently the construction of the Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes is their priority. The Apostolic Prefecture of Iduhsien (Yiduxian), has about 12,000 Catholics: they are scattered in the countryside and are served by six priests and ten nuns, who live in the convent of the Immaculate Conception, built seven years ago. Over the past twenty years, the Apostolic Prefecture has built as many as 32 churches and chapels. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 06/12/2011)
