IRISH MISSION TO CHINA.

New Zealand Tablet, 18 March 1920, Page 31

IRISH MISSION TO CHINA.

An important and interesting event in the life of the above mission has recently taken place. It appears that a separate vicariate has just been erected by the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda which is to be placed m the sole charge of the Fathers of the Irish Mission, the new vicariate covers an extensive area in Central It is situated in the province of Hupeh, in the rich and lerlile valley of the Han river, and contains many important towns, the best known of which is Hang-Yang. This is the first occasion in modern times that Irish priests have undertaken the evangelisation of a pureiy pagan nation. It marks the revival of the missionary spirit which was so characteristic of the Irish Church in the centuries succeeding the death of St. Patrick. This new missionary movement, which has so suddenly risen up in Ireland, will, we feel certain, not only confer an immense boon upon China, but also shed fresh lustre on the Church which has given it birth. Some sixteen priests of the Irish Mission will sail for their new held of labor about the middle of March. Wo wish the good Fathers every success in their great spiritual enterprise, and we confidently hone that they v ill be instrumental in bringing the light of Faith to nnliieiw of Chinese who are now enveloped in the dorknevs of superstition. — (Exchange.)