TSITSIKAR, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE of. - Situated in the northern part of Manchuria, it extends over 487,873 sq. km. and includes a population of 3,200,000 inhabitants.
On 9 July 1928 this territory, detached from the apostolic vicariate of Kirin (now a diocese), was erected as a mission sui iuris of T. and raised to the rank of apostolic prefecture on 17 Aug. 1931. It is entrusted to the Society of Foreign Missions of Bethlehem (Switzerland). The Catholic religion was brought there by some immigrants from the province of Kirin about 70 years ago. Soon, thanks to the zeal of several missionaries, various Christian communities were organized, which subsequently suffered losses in works and personnel during the Boxer uprising (1900). Once calm had returned, the mission resumed its development, branching out into new flourishing mission stations.
Before the Communists expelled all foreign personnel, the prefecture numbered 14,000 Catholics; 5 native and 35 foreign priests; 16 foreign nuns; 2 hospitals; 7 dispensaries; 2 orphanages; 2 homes for the aged; 64 elementary schools; 13 secondary schools; 4 rural deaneries; 20 primary and 68 secondary stations; 20 sacred buildings.