Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – "The degree is not the final goal of a vocation; indeed it is the true beginning of a vocation. We are ready for change in our life dedicating ourselves to pastoral work and evangelization through service, sacrifice, and dedication." These were the words of one of the 22 seminarians of the Regional Seminary of He Bei who have recently completed their studies. According to information received by Fides, the morning of Thursday, June 30, in the Aula Magna of the Seminary, there was a solemn graduation ceremony for these 22 seminarians from the 5 dioceses of He Bei, who finished their 7 years of study and priestly formation. The Rector of the seminary, several bishops of their dioceses, formators, and donors attended the ceremony, which was also an emotional moment seeing these young fruits from the vocational path reach such an important goal. In addition to thanking the Lord, the representative of the seminarians also recalled all those who have accompanied them on their vocational journey: priests, trainers, family, friends, and faithful ... The graduating seminarians also wanted to give a small contribution of about 80 Euros each, the result of their savings, to the Ding Han Foundation to support vocational studies.
As the Vice-Chancellor of the Seminary recalled, "since its opening in 1984 until today, the Regional Seminary of He Bei has formed 472 seminarians. Of these, 420 were ordained priests, 3 are bishops, and 2 others will soon receive episcopal consecration." The priest said, "Our biggest success is not so much in the scientific or intellectual, but above all in the many good workers who love Christ, love the Church, love the faithful..."
According to statistics provided by “Faith” of He Bei, among the 10 Regional Major Seminaries on the mainland, only those of He Bei and Shang Hai have had graduates from among their 40 seminarians. The other eight seminaries must wait until next summer. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 01/07/2010)
