Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Yuan (Agenzia Fides) - More than 3,000 faithful of the parish of Wu Guan in the Diocese of San Yuan Fang, province of Shaan Xi, welcomed 5 new priests on April 10, in the climate of the Easter joy. According to what was reported to Fides by Faith of He Bei, the solemn Eucharist for the return to the country of origin of the 5 new priests, was celebrated by His Exc. Mgr. Zong Huai De, Bishop emeritus of the diocese, and by His Exc. Mgr. Joseph Han Yingjin, consecrated on June 24, 2010 with the approval of the Holy See for the office of Bishop of Sanyuan and also approved by the Chinese Authority. The priests who concelebrated with the two Bishops were 16. Despite the elderly age, the 90-year-old Bishop, Mgr. Zong, was visibly excited and happy, and during the homily he also encouraged the new priests to dedicate their life to the Lord. In addition, the community paid tribute to their parents, inviting to promote young people’s vocations following their example.
The Diocese of Sanyuan is the oldest in Shaanxi and is located in the central part of the Province. It currently has more than 40,000 faithful, mostly farmers or workers. There are 35 priests, 100 women religious and ten seminarians studying in the regional seminary of Xian. The Diocese has a number of clinics, kindergartens and a nursing home. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 13/4/2012)
