Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tong Yuan (Agenzia Fides) - "Conversion, renewal, dedication, evangelization" was the theme of the 12th General Chapter of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, held from August 16 to 23, preceded by three days of spiritual retreat, which saw the participation of 34 women religious. According to the information sent to Fides Agency, His Exc. Mgr. Dang Ming Yang, Bishop of the Diocese of Xi An, presided the solemn celebration of the day of the feast of the Assumption of Mary, at the opening of the Chapter, encouraging them to a careful and thorough reflection and meditation, in order to meet today's pastoral and social needs, according to the charism of the congregation. During the Chapterthe women religious deepened the administration of the congregation, spiritual discernment, formation of the religious, evangelization and pastoral care, developing the pastoral mission of the congregation for the next 4 years. On August 22, Sister Li Ya Lou was confirmed Superior General.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a diocesan congregation of the Diocese of Xi An, in the province of Shaan Xi, founded in 1923 and reopened in 1980. Today it has more than 500 women religious, 80% very young, active in the six dioceses of Shaan Xi province, especially in the parishes. They run 30 clinics, five kindergartens, a publishing house, a religious clothing laboratory and sacred objects. They opened a shelter for AIDS patients, for lepers; they are particularly active in emergencies, such as earthquakes, floods .... They also organize regular formation Courses for lay people in order to meet the needs of the mission of evangelization. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/08/2012)
