Thursday, April 30, 2009

An abrupt change: Taiyuan

From Shanghai, Márquez and I went by plane to Taiyuan where we arrived after two and a half hours.

Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi province and has a population of 3.5 million.

We have already mentioned this city in several of our previous newsletters. We go to this city often. We try to give a hand in the formation of religious women… doing whatever is possible.

More than 60 religious sisters attend a two-year intensive course on theology. They are so eager to learn… but the place is so congested… The sister in charge tells us that she received more than 200 applicants… and had to refuse them because there is no space… Sisters live in a very crowded place and with very limited facilities.

Here are some moments of the day – classes and prayer:




One day during our stay in Taiyuan, we went to Fenyang, a nearby town, 100 kms away to meet with the old bishop, Msgr. Johannes Huo. What a testimony! He is 86 years old and still in charge of one of the 8 dioceses of Shanxi province. After listening to us he said: “Don’t be afraid… always trust in God; you will find a way!”

Here is a man of God. He has suffered greatly in past decades when he could not exercise his ministry… so hospitable and a man of peace! We left empowered by his words and testimony.

Alberto with Bishop Johannes Huo and Sr. Clara

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