Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) – “The community of priests of Shanghai is ready to respond to the Pope’s appeal for the Year of the Priest, with their commitment to spiritual renewal.” These were the words of Bishop Ignatius Jing Lu Xian, 94 year-old Jesuit and Bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai, and his Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Xing, which inspired the priests of the Diocese during the Chrism Mass this past Holy Thursday. All the diocesan priests concelebrated the Eucharist and renewed the promises of their priesthood in front of the assembly, which was formed by seminarians, religious, and faithful all gathered in the Cathedral of Xu Hui. In the homily, Bishop Joseph Xing told the story of Saint John Vianney, known as the “Cure of Ars,” to whom the Holy Father has dedicated this special Year of the Priest, in honor of the 150th anniversary of his death. “This year, we all recalling the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul, and the Pope has declared a Year of the Priest, June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010,” said Bishop Xing. “The Holy Father has thus wished to focus on the permanent formation of priests, the relationship between priests and Bishops, priests and the faithful, and communion with the Church. Let us take up the Pope’s exhortation, so that our community of priests may be united in service to the faithful and in communion with our Bishop and the Universal Church.”
According to some of the priests present, “Bishop Xing’s homily was not merely preaching, but a call for a new mission: the priests of Shanghai are ready to respond to the Pope’s appeal for the Year of the Priest, with their commitment to spiritual renewal, giving a new image. You will soon see an improved preparation in becoming worthy of the sacred duty as pastors of the flock that Christ has entrusted to us.” As the Bishop said, “we are inspired by the example of Jesus, uniting ourselves more and more to Him.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2009)
