I PREFETTI APOSTOLICI OFMCONV DI CINA E ZAMBIA.

The article briefly recalls the figures of the Apostolic Prefects of the Conventual Franciscan missions in China and Zambia. In the climate of great missionary fervour ad gentes (to the nations), inspired by the pope of Missions Pius XI (1922-1939), the Order of Friars Minor Conventual also received from the Holy See the urgent invitation to open a mission in the Far East. The Franciscan Order was born as missionary (chapter XII of the Regula Bullata is dedicated to the missions of unbelievers), but at the time the provinces were recovering from suppression by States. There was therefore resistance, but it was overcome by the generosity of the Sardinian Province which was able to provide six of the eight missionaries in the group of pioneers. The mission in China was opened in 1925, and it developed wonderfully. The Zambian mission desired by the Minister General, Fr. Alfonso Orlini, was opened in 1930 (the document of erection is dated 13 January 1931). Thanks to the Prefect, Mazzieri, it had an exceptional growth. From this territory, the prefecture of Solwezi was born. The first Prefect, Ruppert Hillerich was not very efficient, but his successor Abdon Potani proved to be more active. In addition to the protagonists, other noteworthy characters are mentioned. The mission in China, after the expulsion of the foreign missionaries, is currently tentatively recovering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]