ASIA/CHINA - Permanent Formation Course for priests successfully concluded, received in audience by the Bishop of Macao and the Liaison Office of the central government in Macao

Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – “It has been a unique opportunity for us to know, exchange, and discuss many spiritual aspects in depth. It has been a help to us by offering us an excellent preparation for evangelization and administration, learning from Macao. “The spirituality and discussions are an excellent means of spiritual rest that has completely renewed my spirit. I am ready to set off once more on the path of evangelization in the Year of St. Paul, after the experience in Macao.” These were some of the comments made by priests who participated in the “Yearly Formation Course for Priests” when they came back from Macao.
The Course, which is divided into two parts (June 19-24 on the continent and June 25-July 9 in the Diocese of Macao) was organized by the Faith Institute for Cultural Studies along with Jinde Charities, in collaboration with the Diocese of Macao with the support of its bishop, His Excellency Joseph Lai Hun-seng. As he himself confirmed in the audience granted by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao SAR, July 7: “We do everything we can to support the formation of our priests (on the continent), some of which has taken place in our diocese.”
The priests who participated in the Course also thanked the Diocese of Macao on the occasion. During the 2-week Course, the priests attended meetings on general spirituality, priestly spirituality, formation of catechists in the parish, human formation, theology of the Church, and the Church’s social doctrine. They were also able to visit the Bishop’s Residence, the famous churches, and the local community. According to some of the priests, “after 10 years of priesthood, we are really in need of a spiritual renewal in order to carry our current pastoral demands.” “I thought that it would just be a time of rest, but I really enjoyed the courses. It has given me a new outlook on everything and I am ready to work towards the new goals of the mission.” This year there were about 30 priests who, after having completed 10 years of priesthood, participated in the Course. They have now returned to their ministries with a renewed spirit, to lead their Catholic flocks in living the Year of St. Paul. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2008)