Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cang Zhou (Agenzia Fides) - Faith, testimony and evangelization are the three key points of the program of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei province, mainland China for the Year of Faith. According to information sent to Fides Agency by Faith of He Bei, the diocese, which is famous in China and in the world for the devotion of its believers, has responded to the Pope’s appeal by publishing a detailed program of the Year of faith which will begin on 11 October. The diocese has formed a special Commission for the Celebration of the Year of faith led by the diocesan Bishop, His Exc. Mgr. Joseph Li Lian Gui.
According to the program drawn up, the solemn opening of the Year will be in communion with the universal Church, on 11 October, during the Chinese New Year holidays permanent formation courses will be organized for priests and nuns; from 15 to 18 March 2013 the Congress of the members of the Catholic associations of the diocese will take place; on July 20 the solemnly of the feast of the 56 Martyrs of the Diocese will be celebrated; on August 17th the Congress of the youth of the diocese; from October 19 to 20, on the occasion of World Mission Day a Congress on Evangelization will be held; on November 23 the solemn closing of the Year of faith.
During this year also the two Vicars of the diocese will go to the parishes to preside catechism courses and moments of sharing faith experiences; the priests and nuns are invited to deepen the study of the documents of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and especially the Apostolic Letter "Porta fidei" and then forward the content to the faithful. The diocese will finally publish a book on the history of its 56 Holy Martyrs.
The diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), which was the ancient Apostolic Vicariate of Tcheli-Southeast, today has 75,000 faithful, nearly 100 priests, 206 churches and chapels. The local Catholic community has sent dozens of priests and nuns to study abroad, with the help of the universal Catholic community. Each year more than one hundred catechumens become members of the Christian community. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/09/2012)
