ASIA/TAIWAN - The Pope appoints new Bishop of Kiayi

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on 16 January 2006 appointed Bishop of Kiayi (Taiwan) Rev. Fr. John Hung Shan-chuan, S.V.D., until now headmaster of Kiayi Catholic School and Professor at Taipei Catholic University.
The new Bishop John Hung Shan-chuan, S.V.D., was born on 20 November 1943 on the island of Penghu, diocese of Kiayi. He entered the Novitiate of the Society of Divine Word in the Philippines in 1967. He made his perpetual vows in 1973 and ordained a priest in the same year on 23 June at Tagaitay, Philippines. He has a degree in Education Science from the Catholic University Washington. He has served three mandates as a member of the SDV Provincial Council. Since his ordination he has been: parish priest at Chuchi and Kiayi (1975-1977); teacher of English language and staff member at Fu Jen School in Kiayi (1977-1979); Secretary of the Taiwan Bishops Conference’s respective Commissions for Evangelisation and the Laity; Young Christian Workers Association assistant (1979-1981); Doctor of Education at Catholic University of America, Washington (1981-1986); associate Professor and dean Catholic Centre Fu Jen University (1986-1987); Dean for student affairs Fu Jen University; national assistant for prisoners; Taipei diocesan assistant for lay ministries (1987-1991); headmaster of Fu Jen Catholic School in Kiayi; since 1992 Assistant Professor Taipei Catholic University.
The diocese of Kiayi was established in 1962. It has an area of 3,244 sq. km., and a population of 1,573,098 of whom 10,033 are Catholics, gathered in 33 parishes, 57 priests (37 diocesan and 20 religious), 58 women religious and 3 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2006; Righe 20; Parole 275)