But first, let’s review a little geography:Inner Mongolia is the Mongol autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the country's north.
It is the third-largest subdivision of China spanning almost 300 million acres or 12% of China's land area. It has a population of about 24 million as of 2004. The capital is Hohhot.=======================
Here is Paco’s report:I had the opportunity to go to Inner Mongolia this October to direct a retreat for priests in Chifeng City. Chifeng is a small diocese as far as personnel are concerned, with only 22 priests, who have been without bishop for the last two years. But when it comes to jurisdiction, it encompasses a territory of about 90,000 km2 (originally it was 75,000 but in the administrative reorganization after 1949 it gained more territory). The farthest parish is about 600 km from the diocesan seat, the city of Chifeng (red peak). Most of the priests are young, with only three of them over 40 years of age. It is a diocese with a jolted history and with many challenges for the future. Nevertheless, they count on something important, the desire to move ahead in their ministry. They hope that soon their need for a bishop will be solved. The Church in China continues being quite hierarchical, and if it lacks an official head – a bishop – much of the work stops and a number of problems, that are otherwise small become big.
Let us hope that with our prayers and help they can continue their pastoral work in attending to the Lord's flock.
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