Shan-tung, Vicariate Apostolic of NORTHERN, erected by Gregory XVI in 1839. The first vicar Apostolic was Louis de Besi, formerly Pro-Vicar of Hu-pe and Hu-nan. This vicariate Apostolic had to undergo many wars and persecutions. In 1885 it was divided into Northern and Southern Shan-tung; in 1894, the Vicariate Apostolic of Eastern Shan-tung was erected. The Vicariate Apostolic of Northern Shan-tung enjoys a salubrious and temperate climate; it numbers 11,000,000 inhabitants, and is entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers. The present vicar Apostolic is the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Ephrem Giesen, titular Bishop of Paltus, born October 16, 1868, consecrated July 8, 1902. He resides at Tsi-nan-fu. In 1904 the mission numbered: 11 European Franciscan Fathers; 18 native priests; 18,000 Catholics; 13,900 catechumens; and 134 churches and chapels. In 1910 there were: 29 European Franciscan Fathers; 19 native priests; 28,000 Catholics; 20,000 catechumens; 187 churches and chapels,
V. H. MONTANAR