ASIA/CHINA - The Marian Shrine of the Diocese of Nan Wei has been consecrated to relaunch evangelization and strengthen faith

Wei Nan (Agenzia Fides) - The Marian Shrine and Rosary Garden of the Diocese of Wei Nan, in the province of Shaan Xi has been recently consecrated. The solemn celebration was attendced by over two thousand faithful who saw the realization of the dream of all the local faithful. According to what was reported to Fides Agency in a statement by Faith of He Bei, Msgr. Tong Chang Ping, ordinary diocesan bishop, presided at the Eucharist, celebrated the consecration of the sanctuary, followed the Marian procession and imparted the blessing of the village, assisted by about thirty priests who arrived from Wei Nan and other dioceses. The pastor of the parish of Han Jia Hui, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary Immaculate, where the Sanctuary is located, underlined the profound significance of the construction and consecration of the Sanctuary which "offers the opportunity to relaunch evangelization and strengthen faith", especially in view of the Year of Faith. The Diocese of Wei Nan (originally Tong Zhou) is an Apostolic Prefecture since 1935 and has always been managed by Italian Franciscans. Today it has more than 12 thousand faithful with 31 churches and chapels, thirty priests and forty religious women of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/7/2012)