ASIA/TAIWAN - In great humility, Bishop of Hwalien receives new priest of Pai Wan ethnic origin

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

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Hwalien (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocese of Hwalien, located on the island of Taiwan, kicked off 2009 with what will remain an historical event for the local Church, as the welcome a new priest, Fr. Xie Hui Neng, who is of Pai Wan ethnic origin (minority). The Diocese of Hwalien's Bishop Philip Huang Zhao Ming presided the welcoming Mass, which was rich in songs and dances from various ethnic groups, and concelebrated by 56 priests. When the new priest blessed the faithful, the Bishop himself knelt down before him to receive the blessing. This great act of humility on his part deeply moved the over 2,800 participants.
The entire Mass and celebration that followed were filled with signs of the Diocese, which enjoys a friendly coexistence among its various indigenous peoples and ethnic groups. The Auxiliary Bishop Johen B. Tseng is the first indigenous Bishop of the Catholics in Taiwan and currently serves as President of the Indigenous Pastoral Commission. Bishop Huang works very actively in vocations ministry, especially considering the characteristics of this diocese. His gesture of humility and charity with the new priest was a source of encouragement for many of the youth present, as well as for their families.
According to the “Catholic Church Directory of Taiwan, 2004” the Diocese of Hua Lien (Hwalien), founded on July 15, 1963, has 56, 262 faithful, 2 Bishops, 54 priests, 5 religious brothers 120 religious sisters, 16 seminarians (9 major, 7 minor), 25 catechists, 10 deacons, 45 parishes, 151 missionary stations, 17 semi-public churches, 1 professional training school with 680 students, 1 middle school with 1,572 students, 2 Centers for professional training with 1,166 students, 1 elementary school with 590 students, 17 kindergardens with 1,092 children, 1 high school, 1 monthly publication, 1 hospital with 34, 028 patients, 2 clinics with 6,200 patients, 2 homes for the elderly with 117 residents and 2 Rehabilitation Centers for mentally disturbed children, which has 43 patients. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2009)