Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Liao Ning (Agenzia Fides) – “Since I was named Auxiliary Bishop, I always kept in mind that “all has been given me by my Father,” and “my yolk is easy and my burden light” (cf. Mt. 11:27-30). I will take courage, because the Lord accompanies me.” These are the words of Bishop Paul Pei Jun Min, the new Bishop of Liao Ning, continental China, who officially began his new responsibility in the Diocese of June 29. He expressed some of his deepest convictions in an interview done by a Catholic media agency, in speaking about his pastoral program. He was named Auxiliary Bishop of this same Diocese, with the Holy Father’s approval, on January 12, 2006.
Mentioning the challenges facing the Church, the Diocese, and himself, and his own firmness in the faith, he recalled the example of his predecessor: “Bishop Jin Pei Xian has taught me so much. He has made the path easier to travel on. In the two years I spent as Auxiliary Bishop, I was able to familiarize myself more with the diocese, making pastoral visits to the Ecclesial Base Communities, carrying out my pastoral ministry. I have also met and had in-depth conversations with the priests, religious, and laity.” For the future of the Diocese, “what is most needed is the promotion of human development and formation. Priests, religious, and laity should all be the driving force in the Diocese’s development. Each one of them, however, is in need of a constant spiritual, moral, and technical renewal. I am referring to renewing the method of evangelization. The second priority is to improve the diocesan structure, focusing it on evangelization. The third, is resolving the confiscation of Church property.”
In reference to permanent formation of priests and religious, Bishop Paul Pei said: “during my years of study outside the country and teaching in the seminary, I realized how important continual formation is for priests, both spiritually and intellectually. The youth are also in need of support and guidance so as to become active members in the Church’s life, turning them into authentic Christians.” In reference to his present thoughts, as Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Pei said that “Since I was named Auxiliary Bishop, I have felt like the Virgin Mary who was left “greatly troubled” (Lk. 1:29). Our diocese has 80 priests, 180 religious, and over 110,000 faithful. What a responsibility! But, I have learned to pray, repeating this phrase to the Lord: ‘Lord, what do you want me to do for you?’ Every day I pray these words and thus, I receive the strength and the capacity to become an instrument in the Lord’s hands.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/7/2008)
